In February 2024, Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma claimed that some authorities were plotting to force him to quit.
Mutuma, who disagrees with Mwangaza, stated at the time that he would not resign despite supposedly being promised substantial benefits if he did. “We are operating in a very hostile environment in Meru, and as deputy governor, I have said time and again that things are escalating from bad to worse,” Mutuma said in February 2024.
The guy who has had no say in the operation of Meru County Government for months is about to become the devolved unit’s fourth governor. The Constitution states that if a governor is dismissed from office, the deputy takes over for the duration of the term.
With the High Court affirming Governor Mwangaza’s impeachment, Mutuma is expected to take office if she fails to obtain a stay order before Friday’s High Court.
Mwangaza was ousted from office on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, when the Senate confirmed all three impeachment accusations against her.
Following the High Court verdict, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi is anticipated to issue a gazette announcing Mwangaza’s impeachment and the schedule for Mutuma’s swearing-in.
Who is Isaac Mutuma?
Mutuma and Mwangaza were elected as Meru deputy governor in the 2022 elections without the support of any political parties.
They sailed to victory, defeating Meru’s political titans, including then-Governor Kiraitu Murungi and his predecessor Peter Munya.
Mutuma previously worked as a senior officer in the Kenya Prisons Service and as a Reverend in Kenya’s Methodist Churches.
He has 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.
Mutuma also has a master’s degree in governance and ethics from Mount Kenya University.The Meru deputy governor has previously worked as a Child Rights Advocate for Plan International and a youth representative for Habitat for Humanity in the Mount Kenya Region.
He also worked as a Human Rights Officer and Inmate Rehabilitation Programme Implementer for the prison services.
Will Mutuma Appoint a Deputy After Taking Office?Mutuma, if elected, will be required to appoint a deputy governor.In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that the vacant office could not be filled by a subsequent election.
They also ruled that there could not be a vacancy in the position of Deputy Governor until the next general election.The Supreme Court then provided guidelines on how to fill the deputy governor post. The justices concluded that governors might make fresh nominations within 14 days to replace deputies who resign, die in office, or are impeached.
The nominations must then be approved by the County Assemblies within 60 days. Successful appointees then take their oath of office. The courts concluded that if both the governor’s and deputy governor’s seats become vacant at the same time, the deputy’s post should remain vacant until a new governor is elected.
Can a deputy governor who advances to the position of governor serve two terms?
Over the previous decade or so, the country has had a number of Deputy Governors succeed to the governorship.
They include Bomet’s Hillary Barchok, who took over after Joyce Laboso died. Following Ferdinand Waititu’s removal, James Nyoro assumed power in Kiambu.
Anne Kananu took over as Nairobi’s governor when Mike Sonko was impeached.
Article 146 (4) and Article 182 (3) of the Constitution state that, at the time of taking office, if there are two and a half years or more remaining before the next General Election, such a person shall be deemed as having served a full term.
