New Meru Governor Mutuma reverses Kawira policies

Newly sworn-in Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma began his tenure by reversing several controversial policies implemented by his impeached predecessor Kawira Mwangaza.

Mutuma, who took the oath of office Monday at Mwendantu Grounds before Justice Anthony Kimani, also reinstated programmes initiated by former Governors Kiraitu Murungi and Peter Munya.

He directed that rangers, trained by the county during Munya’s tenure in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Service, be restored to the cattle-rustling-prone Nyambene region.

Under Mwangaza’s administration, the rangers were redeployed to revenue collection and enforcement duties in Meru Town, a move that sparked protests from Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu and other leaders.

Mwangaza had argued that security was the responsibility of the national government and that the rangers should assist the county in revenue collection. However, Mutuma, in an Executive Order issued yesterday, ordered the rangers to return to Nyambene, stating that his administration aimed to collaborate with the national government to enhance security.

“I direct that the rangers withdrawn from the northern grazing zones be reinstated. The rangers are not needed in Meru Town for revenue collection,” Mutuma said, adding that the rangers would be provided with patrol vehicles and equipment to carry out their duties.

Start-up kits

Mutuma also reinstated the Meru Youth Service (MYS) programme, which had been halted by Mwangaza, as well as the Mount Kenya Run, which raised funds for cancer patients.

“The MYS has played a critical role in equipping our youth with practical skills. We must take it to the next level. I am committed to revamping MYS, as it will train more young people in modern skills that meet today’s job market demands,” Mutuma said.

He added that MYS graduates would be provided with start-up kits and tools needed to begin businesses, with the aim of creating 1,000 jobs annually.

Additionally, Mutuma announced that county projects would be awarded to local contractors, taking aim at Mwangaza’s decision to hand a Sh531 million road upgrade project to the Mechanical Transport Fund (MTF), a national government agency under the Ministry of Roads and Transport.

Mwangaza had argued that local contractors were more expensive and did substandard work.

“Meru contracts will be undertaken by Meru contractors,” Mutuma declared.

The new Governor also revealed plans for new empowerment programmes targeting people with disabilities, women, and other groups.

He pledged to establish value-adding facilities to boost agricultural production, including projects focused on banana wine, banana crisps and banana fibre.

“One of my flagship projects will be to establish an avocado value addition factory here in Meru,” Mutuma said.

Mutuma was sworn in at 10:20am at a packed Mwendantu Grounds.

Notably, none of the Council of Governors (CoG) members attended the event, a situation that raised eyebrows.

However, the Chairman of the Deputy Governors Caucus, Laikipia Deputy Governor Reuben Kamuri, was present.

Running mate

Former Governor Kiraitu Murungi and Tigania East MP Mpuru Aburi received some of the loudest cheers upon their arrival, but the biggest applause was reserved for the new Governor, Mutuma, who took his oath within minutes.

Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi, a Mutuma ally, and Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi were also in attendance.

A Reverend in the Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK), Mutuma was relatively unknown when Mwangaza approached him and offered him the running mate position.

Mutuma has previously worked as a child rights advocate with Plan International, Youth Representative for Habitat for Humanity in the Mount Kenya region, and as a Human Rights Officer and Inmate Rehabilitation Programme Implementer.

He is the son of Paul M’Ethingia, the former Chairman of the Supreme Council of Njuri Ncheke elders, who died three years ago.