Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]
Meru County will have a new governor on Monday, March 17, when Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma is sworn into office.
The Assumption of Office Committee announced in a gazette notice dated March 14 that the ceremony will take place at Mwendantu Grounds starting at 8:30 a.m.
“It is notified for the general public that the swearing-in ceremony of Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia as Governor of Meru County shall take place on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Mwendantu Grounds, beginning at 8:30 am,” the notice reads in part.
The development follows a High Court ruling upholding Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s impeachment.
On Friday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the petition challenging Mwangaza’s removal failed to meet the legal threshold to overturn the Senate’s decision.
He affirmed that Mwangaza was given a fair hearing and dismissed her request to invalidate the gazette notice confirming her removal.
“The court has assessed the totality of the impeachment process and found that she was given ample opportunity to present her case and respond to allegations levelled against her,” Mwamuye said.
What the law says
According to the Constitution, if a vacancy occurs in the office of a county governor, the deputy governor assumes office for the remainder of the term.
A deputy governor who takes over the governorship is considered to have served a full term if more than two and a half years remain before the next regularly scheduled election under Article 180 (1). Otherwise, they are not deemed to have served a full term.
Additionally, a person who assumes the office of county governor holds office until the next elected governor is sworn in unless removed under the Constitution.
