Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza revealed on Monday, December 2, 2024, that she has not seen her Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma for over a year, citing ongoing tensions between the two that began during the impeachment proceedings against her.
Speaking at a press conference, Mwangaza explained that Mutuma had not attended any Cabinet meetings in more than a year despite being notified.
“For the last one and a half years, he has not been on duty but is earning a full salary and using a government vehicle. I have been looking for him to assign him duties, but in vain,” Mwangaza said.
Mwangaza’s statement follows growing concerns from the Meru County Cabinet about Mutuma’s absence.
County Secretary Dr. Kiambi Atheru sent a letter on December 2, expressing the Cabinet’s concerns, noting that Mutuma had missed 12 Cabinet meetings from November 2023 to November 2024.
“These meetings are critical for the running of this county. Your continued absence is becoming a matter of concern to the chair (Governor) and the entire committee. Kindly make arrangements to attend the next one,” Atheru wrote in the letter.
The rift between the Governor and her deputy began shortly after the impeachment proceedings against Mwangaza, where she accused Mutuma of working with her political adversaries to undermine her leadership.
Their relationship further deteriorated over allegations of nepotism, exclusion, and sabotage.
Mutuma, in turn, claimed that he was no longer invited to important meetings, had his official vehicles confiscated, and was excluded from major county functions.
“My first official vehicle was confiscated and handed to the department of water, and my second vehicle was given to the Governor’s political advisor. I have not been invited to cabinet meetings since May,” Mutuma said.
He also claimed he had been sidelined from decisions regarding the appointment of Executives, Chief Officers, and Directors.
Mwangaza responded to these claims, stating that some of the staff Mutuma accused her of firing had been dismissed for lacking academic qualifications. “We sacked staff with fake degrees,” Mwangaza said, producing a letter from the County Public Service Board that confirmed the staff had their academic credentials verified and found to be fraudulent. She also noted that some of Mutuma’s staff were his family members.
“The law allows one to have people you can trust, even for security purposes,” Mutuma defended, adding that both the Governor and himself had the right to appoint staff they trust.
The political fallout between Mwangaza, a bishop in the Baite Family Fellowship (BFF), and Mutuma, a reverend in the Methodist Church in Kenya, has created a tense atmosphere within the county government.
The two leaders no longer share the close political alliance they once had, which was evident during their campaign for the governorship and early days of their administration.
Further deepening the divide, Mutuma expressed frustration over the relocation of his office.
“With the ongoing reorganization in the county, I have been moved to the old premises. I call upon the Meru residents to remain calm as it is within the mandate of the Governor to reorganize her government. I am ready to work from anywhere as long as we offer good services to the people of Meru, even under a tree,” Mutuma said.
Mutuma also appealed to President William Ruto and his deputy to intervene and help resolve the political standoff in Meru, citing the potential threat to the county’s contribution to the President’s bottom-up economic model.
“I appeal to the President and the DP to intervene and resolve the political impasse in Meru between elected leaders for peace and harmony to prevail,” he said.
However, Governor Mwangaza, speaking separately during the launch of water projects in Central Imenti Sub County, remained focused on her development agenda.
“Whoever is not satisfied can get out. If you feel the government is not accommodating you well, you might as well get out,” Mwangaza said, emphasizing her commitment to delivering development for the people of Meru.
As the political feud continues, Meru residents and county leaders await a resolution, with both Mwangaza and Mutuma presenting starkly different perspectives on the leadership of the county.
