New Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma hit his first blow minutes after he was sworn into office following a lawsuit filed against him on Monday, March 17.
Just moments after his swearing-in ceremony at the Mwendantu Grounds, an activist moved to court to challenge his assumption of office relating to various grounds.
According to Mike Makarina, Mutuma’s oath should have come 10 days after the occurrence of a vacancy.
Activist files suit challenging Isaac Mutuma’s swearing In as Meru Governor. Photo: Courtesy.
As per the activist’s petition, the earliest the new Meru governor should have been sworn in should have been on Monday, March 27 – the first Thursday after 10 days following the court’s decision to uphold Mwangaza’s impeachment.
The new lawsuit emerges amid an ongoing debate on the legality of Mutuma’s swearing-in as the Meru County governor.
Some lawyers have argued that it could potentially violate the Assumption to Office of Governor Act of 2017.
Mutuma, who served as Deputy Governor from 2022, replaced his former boss Kawira Mwangaza after she was impeached by the Senate in 2024.
The former governor was impeached after 26 Senators endorsed her ouster on grounds of gross misconduct and violation of the constitution.
The Senate vote underlined the uphill task Mwangaza had in retaining her seat, as only four Senators voted in her favour, while 14 Senators abstained.
This was the third impeachment motion against Mwangaza, who has in the past been accused of failing to unite the Meru region during her two years in office.
