Preparations to swear in Meru Governor-elect Kawira Mwangaza and his deputy Revered Isaac Methingia on Thursday August 25 are over according to the County Assumption to Office Committee.
The Committee made up of top officials of the current administration as well as security and judiciary officers was putting the final touches on the plans Friday.
Among other members at the meeting were County Commissioner Fredrick Ndunga, County Police Commander Nyaga Muchunguh, Meru Law Courts Administrator Kariuki Njuki, County Assembly Clerk Jacob Kirari, and Governor-elect’s representatives, James Mutia and Beatrice Karwitha.
The outgoing County Finance Chief Officer Joseph Chabari, Head of Legal Affairs Kiautha Arithi, Public Service Chief Officer Haroun Kanathi, Chief of Staff Jotham Kirimi, and Culture Chief Officer Cyprian Kalaine are also part of the committee.
The 14-member committee, chaired by the outgoing County Secretary and Head of Public Service Rufus Miriti met at the county headquarters to ensure a smooth handover.
Miriti said they have been meeting since July to prepare for the swearing-in of the governor-elect and their main aim is to ensure that all aspects of swearing-in in terms of mobilisation, invitations, identifying of venues, and dates are taken care of.
“So far, I can confidently say that everything is in order. In fact, we are ready even if the swearing-in ceremony was to be held today,” said Mr Miriti.
He added that they have already sent invitations for the event and called on the residents to be ready and prepared to come and be witnesses to the auspicious occasion.
Miriti said they expected around 6,000 residents to attend the ceremony to be held at Kinoru stadium.
Ms. Mwangaza, the outgoing Meru Woman Representative who ran as an independent candidate, has made history as the first elected woman governor for the county.
She trounced incumbent governor Kiraitu Murungi and Senator Mithika Linturi to clinch the seat.
Mwangaza garnered 209,148 votes with Linturi coming in second with 183,859 votes while the outgoing Governor Kiraitu who vied on his Devolution Empowerment Party ticket (DEP), came in a distant third with 110,814 votes.
Mwangaza’s oath of office will be administered by Justice Lucy Njuguna and Chief Magistrate Dominica Nyambu before a luncheon hosted in her honour at the county commissioner’s residence.
By Dickson Mwiti
