The air at the Meru Governor’s residence buzzed with a mix of anticipation and quiet tension yesterday as the new executive committee members raised their right hands, reciting the oath that would officially usher them into office.
Just weeks ago, the political landscape in the County had been disrupted by the dramatic impeachment of Governor Kawira Mwangaza, a move that catapulted Deputy Governor Reverend Isaac Mutuma MÉthinkia into the seat of power.
At the moment, with the weight of leadership on his shoulders and the eyes of the public fixed firmly on his every move, Governor Mutuma has begun reshaping his administration—starting with the appointment of a fresh lineup of executive committee members meant to signal a new era of transparency, reform, and stability.
But as the ink dried on their letters of appointment, the question lingering in the minds of many was whether this new team could truly rise above the shadows of the past—or whether they were simply stepping into the same storm, under a different name.
In his speech, Governor Mutuma gave strict instructions to the newly appointed executive members, which set the stage of what is expected from them.
Mutuma categorically warned them against engaging in politics while in office as well as insulting or undermining any leader in the name of defending the governor.
He said his focus is to transform the public service to be professional, efficient and accountable, as well as depoliticizing the county workforce and restoring morale.
“I have received a number of complaints from a number of our political leaders that we have staff who are interested in political positions and they are using their current offices to undermine the work of our elected leaders.”
“Let me say here that this will not be accepted in this county. As public servants, we must serve the people and for the political class they must do their work and when the right time comes, you can choose whether to be a civil servant or to join the political world and it will be okay,” said Governor Mutuma.
He said time to insult leaders, disrespecting each other, and insubordination right, left, and center, must come to an end and this also applies to the newly sworn-in cabinet.
The CECs who were sworn in include Elias Murega Julius (Sports, Arts and Culture), Jenaro Guantai Gatangugi (Agriculture, Livestock Development and Fisheries), Dr. Denis Mugambi Muriungi (Health Services), David Bariu (Roads and Public Works), and Baptista Muriki Kanyaru (Water, Environment, Natural Resources and climate change).
Others include Reverend Caroline Karea Kaberia, (Tourism, Industry, Investments and Corporation), Domisiano Maranya (Legal Affairs and Public Service), Dr. Esther Rukunga (Education) and CPA Monicha Kaithiori Kathono (Finance and Economic Planning).
The tenth nominee for Lands, Urban Development and Physical Planning, Joy Karwitha, was vetted yesterday (Thursday, April 24) after she replaced Kinoti Marete, who resigned from the position before the vetting process.
By Dickson Mwiti
