Meet ex-prison warder who could succeed Kawira Mwangaza as Meru Governor

Governor Kawira Mwangaza has faced impeachment for the second time in less than a year, leaving the future leadership of Meru County hanging in the balance.

Mwangaza's tumultuous first year in office has been marked by frequent clashes with the Meru County Assembly (MCA).

The 50-year-old governor's strained relationship with the MCAs culminated in a second impeachment motion on October 25, 2023.

This move, unprecedented in recent political history, underscores the fragility of Mwangaza's position.

The fate of her governorship now rests in the hands of the Senate, where senators will cast their votes to either validate the MCAs' decision or overturn it.

If the Senate rejects the impeachment, Mwangaza will retain her position as county governor.

However, if the motion is upheld, the reins of Meru County will pass to her deputy, Rev. Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia.

Meet Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia: The potential new face of Meru county

Below is some background information on Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia:

• Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia is a public servant who has been serving as the Deputy Governor of Meru County since August 2022.
• He has an extensive background in public service, having served as a Senior Officer in the Kenya Prisons Service and as a Reverend in the Methodist Churches of Kenya.
• His late father served as the Chairman of both the Meru and Kenya Council of Elders for many years, and his leadership skills were nurtured by his father. 
• He holds a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice and 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.
• He is recognized for his belief in women's leadership and actively supports women's empowerment in a patriarchal community.
• Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia is a former Prison service officer and Methodist Church minister.
• He holds a degree in Theology from the Kenya Methodist University (KeMU).