Isaac Mutuma To Be Sworn In As Meru Governor On March 17

The swearing-in ceremony for Isaac Mutuma as the next Governor of Meru County is set for Monday, March 17, 2025, at Mwendantu Grounds, starting at 8:30 am.

This follows a High Court ruling on Friday, which upheld the impeachment of Kawira Mwangaza as the county boss.

According to a Kenya Gazette notice published on March 14, 2025, the ceremony will be conducted in accordance with the Constitution of Kenya, the County Governments Act, and the Assumption of the Office of Governor Act. The notice also referenced an earlier publication dated August 20, 2024, regarding the transition process.

The Assumption of the Office of Governor Committee Chairperson, Martin Gitile, confirmed the date and venue in the gazette notice.

“It is notified for information of the general public that the swearing-in ceremony of Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia, as the Governor of Meru County, shall take place on Monday, 17th March 2025, at Mwendantu Grounds, starting at 8:30 am,” the notice read.

The ceremony must be conducted by a judge, as required under Article 74 of the Constitution, which mandates that a governor must take an oath of office before assuming their duties. The law also states that the swearing-in must take place between 10 am and 2 pm.

High Court Upholds Mwangaza’s Impeachment

On Friday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye dismissed Mwangaza’s petition challenging her impeachment, ruling that the process followed proper legal procedures.

“The amended petition dated December 23, 2024, has not met the required legal threshold for this court to disturb the decision of the Senate,” Justice Mwamuye ruled.

The court affirmed the Senate’s decision, as outlined in the gazette notice dated August 20, 2024, which had formally communicated Mwangaza’s removal from office.

Mwangaza had contested her impeachment, arguing that it violated procedural fairness, fair hearing rights, and public participation requirements. She was among the seven female governors elected in the August 9, 2022, General Election, securing 209,148 votes against her competitors, former Governor Kiraitu Murungi and former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi.

Isaac Mutuma, a Methodist Church minister and former prison officer, rose to prominence in February 2022 when he was selected as Mwangaza’s running mate.