Meru County Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia is set to take over as the fourth Governor of Meru.
This after Governor Kawira Mwangaza was sent home on Tuesday night, August 20, after the Senate upheld her impeachment by the Meru County Assembly.
A majority of the Senators affirmed that the embattled County Chief was guilty of all the three charges brought against her.
The charges brought before the house were included gross violation of the constitution, abuse of office, and gross misconduct with 26 senators voting in support, 4 against, and 14 abstaining.
“The senators, having voted to uphold the charges against the Meru governor, Governor Kawira Mwangaza ceases to hold office,” ruled Speaker Amason Kingi in a vote that went past midnight.
The DG who is the son of former Njuri Ncheke chairman Paul M’Ethingia (late) came to the limelight in February 2022 after he was picked by Mwangaza as her running mate.
M’Ethingia and Governor Mwangaza were elected as independent candidates in the 2022 general elections demonstrating their commitment to effective governance.
Moreover, M’Ethingia who hails from Igembe South, was key in mitigating the political impact of Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, who was United Democratic Alliance (UDA) gubernatorial candidate and is from the same area.
Also Read: Governor Kawira Mwangaza Impeached
M’Ethingia’s Professional Experience
M’Ethingia has an extensive background in public service which was key in his appointment as Mwangaza’s running mate.
Prior to becoming a DG, M’Ethingia was a Senior Officer in Kenya Prisons Service (KPS).
In addition, he served as a Reverend in the Methodist Churches of Kenya, exemplifying his dedication to spiritual and community development.
Notably, he served as a Child Rights Advocate with Plan International, was a chairman of several esteemed Institutions, Youth Representative for Habitat for Humanity in the Mount Kenya Region, and Human Rights Officer and Inmate Rehabilitation Program Implementer within the prison services.
The deputy governors’ leadership skills were nurtured by his late father, who served as the Chairman of both the Meru and Kenya Council of Elders for many years.
Also Read: EXPLAINER: What Next After Governor Kawira Mwangaza Impeachment
M’Ethingia’s Education Qualifications
Nonetheless, M’Ethingia’s educational achievements demonstrate his commitment to professional growth.
He holds a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice, as well as a bachelor’s degree in theology from Kenya Methodist University.
Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in governance and Ethics at Mount Kenya University, to further enhance his expertise in public administration and ethical governance.
Recognized for his belief in women’s leadership, the Meri County deputy governor actively supports women’s empowerment in a patriarchal community.
