New Meru Governor Rev Isaac Mutuma after being sworn in is all delighted as Justice Anthony Kimani who presided over looks on. Between the judge and governor is the Deputy Governors caucus chairman Reuben Kamuri who is also the Deputy Governor in the neighbouring Laikipia County. On the right is Mrs Mutuma. Photo/Courtesy.
By Dickson Mwiti and William Muchiri
Meru County now has a new governor after Reverend Isaac Mutuma, who has been serving as the Deputy Governor since 2022, was sworn into office yesterday.
This follows the successful impeachment of Governor Kawira Mwangaza by the Senate last year, which was upheld in a court ruling last Friday.
Mr Mutuma took the oath of office presided over by Justice Antony Kimani at Mwendantu grounds in Meru County, in a ceremony that was graced by leaders from all walks of life.
Residents who attended the ceremony were optimistic of a new dawn in the county in Mutuma’s regime after about two and half years of what some claimed was a one-person-show type of leadership.
In his inaugural speech, the new governor promised to open a new page of leadership in the county characterized by constant consultations and an end to political grandstanding that has halted development and brought political divisions in the region.
“I want to promise the residents that I will adopt an open policy type of leadership as well as collaborate with other leaders and key stakeholders in the county. This will bring different ideas on the table that will be key in moving our county forward,” said Mr Mutuma.
He said his urgent assignment would be the restoration of peace and unity among all the people in the county as this is part of their strength going forward.
On healthcare, the new governor said he would work hand in hand with the national government to ensure that all the residents can access proper healthcare through the Social Health Fund (SHA).
“To ensure all the people access quality healthcare, the county government will be paying health insurance coverage for the poorest and the most vulnerable people. We will also liaise with the athletics Kenya to revive the Mount Kenya run, which was aimed at raising money to cater for cancer patients in the county,” said Mr Mutuma.
To enhance security at the border with other counties, Mutuma directed the county secretary to redeploy county rangers to the northern grazing zone so they could complement police officers in securing the county against bandits.
After assuming the office, Mr. Mutuma is now faced with the task of appointing his deputy as well as county executive committee members considering the interests and high expectations of various groups and corners of the county.
Dozens of senior leaders in Meru County urged the new governor to unite the locals and ensure they get the services they missed since the last General Elections.
Among those who graced the ceremony were Water, Sanitation and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eng. Eric Muuga, Principal Secretary for Forestry, most of the MPs, nearly all MCAs as well opinion leaders.
Former Cabinet Minister and also the second governor of the county Kiraitu Murungi was also present.
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