New Meru Governor Already in Legal Trouble Over Irregular Hiring

The new Meru Governor, Isaac Mutuma, has landed in hot water just weeks after taking office. Lawyer Mugambi Imanyara has threatened to sue him for hiring a county spokesperson for a position that does not exist under Kenyan law. The appointment of 68-year-old Alhaji Mwendia has sparked outrage, with critics accusing Mutuma of ignoring public service rules. Many fear that Meru County is once again heading into chaos. Mutuma’s actions mirror the very misconduct that led to the downfall of his impeached predecessor, Kawira Mwangaza. Barely a month into Isaac Mutuma's leadership, Meru residents are witnessing a chilling repetition of the same lawless behavior that led to the downfall of the last administration. [Photo: Courtesy] New Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma Breaks Rules with Illegal Appointments New Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma wasted no time before stepping into controversy. Lawyer Mugambi Imanyara announced he would sue Mutuma for appointing a county spokesperson, a role the Public Service Commission (PSC) does not recognize. The appointee, Alhaji Mwendia, is not only unlawfully placed but also way past the legal retirement age of 60. Mwendia, now 68, should not hold any public office under Kenyan law. Imanyara issued a stern warning. He promised to report both Mutuma and Mwendia to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) if he spots Mwendia using a county vehicle. "M'ethingia, you and Alhaji will be arrested and dragged to court," the lawyer declared. Imanyara did not stop there. He accused Mutuma of running the county without basic knowledge of public service rules. He revealed that some individuals had already taken control of county resources without formal appointment letters. By ignoring the Public Service Commission Act Section 80, the PSC Rules Number 70, and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission guidelines, Mutuma has opened the door for massive legal trouble. These rules exist to stop political favoritism and protect public money. Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza also stepped in to warn her successor. She bluntly told Mutuma that he risked criminal charges if he continued down this reckless path. "Bonoko, you will go back to prison where I found you—not as a guard, but as a prisoner," she said. Kawira’s words carry weight. She knows firsthand how political mistakes can destroy a career. New Meru Governor Risks Repeating Meru’s Painful Past Meru County is still healing from the scandal that led to Kawira Mwangaza’s impeachment. Mwangaza fell from power after appointing her family members to government jobs and abusing public office. On March 14, 2024, the High Court upheld the Senate’s ruling to remove her from office. Two days later, Mutuma, her deputy, took over and promised a clean slate for the troubled county. Now, just a month later, the same bad signs are flashing again. Mutuma’s illegal appointments and open defiance of hiring laws show that he has learned nothing from Mwangaza’s downfall. Instead of restoring trust, the new Meru governor has planted fresh seeds of chaos. His actions suggest that Meru residents might be facing yet another long and painful political storm. If Mutuma ignores these early warning signs, he may soon find himself in the same courtroom where Mwangaza’s fate was sealed. The political future of the new Meru governor now hangs in the balance. His next moves will determine whether he steers Meru County towards reform or drags it further into a pit of corruption and lawlessness.