The High Court's ruling on Friday, which upheld the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, has shifted the spotlight onto Isaac Mutuma, her deputy, who is now poised to take over as the county’s new governor.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye, in delivering the judgment, confirmed that the petition did not meet the required conditions to reverse the impeachment. The ruling also validated the gazette notice officially removing Mwangaza from office.
"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 leveled against her," the judge explained.
However, Mwangaza had argued that the process was unfair. She felt that the senators were given too little time to debate the motion and that the entire procedure was handled chaotically.
Mwangaza believed these issues impacted the fairness of the impeachment process. However, the Judge ruled that these claims were not strong enough to change the outcome.
Unless Mwangaza secures a stay of the decision from the Court of Appeal, Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma is set to take over as governor.
Who is Isaac Mutuma?
Mutuma, a former prison officer and a Methodist Church Minister, is the son of the late Paul M'Ethingia, who was the chairman of the Njuri Ncheke council.
He rose to prominence in February 2022 when he was selected as Mwangaza's running mate in the gubernatorial elections.
Governor Mwangaza, who is also a bishop at Baite Family Fellowship Church, had described her decision to appoint Mutuma after "extensive prayer and consultations."
At the time, Mwangaza stated, "He joins a team of smart brains and servants of the people. I could not appoint him without prayers."
Though Mutuma lacked political office experience, he embraced the role.
"I will take this as a calling from heaven and a divine assignment to serve God's holy mandate in the high office of deputy governor of Meru," he said.
Mutuma holds a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice, alongside a Bachelor's Degree in Theology from Kenya Methodist University.
What Happens Next?
If Mutuma becomes governor, he will need to pick a new deputy. This follows the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling that deputy governor vacancies cannot be filled by another election.
Governors must make new nominations within 14 days if a deputy governor resigns, dies in office, or is impeached.
These nominations must be approved by the County Assembly within 60 days, and the new deputy governor will then take an oath of office.
In case both the governor and deputy governor offices are vacant at the same time, the deputy governor’s office remains vacant until a new governor is elected.