Isaac M’Ethingia Sets Sights on Meru Governor Role Amid Mwangaza Impeachment
Following Wednesday’s vote by the Meru County Assembly to impeach Governor Kawira Mwangaza, all eyes are now on her deputy, Isaac M’Ethingia, who is poised to assume the governorship if the Senate upholds the impeachment.
Mwangaza and M’Ethingia have divergent opinions, with the Governor alleging her Deputy of undermining her at the direction of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
An additional intriguing development is the decision by a portion of Meru’s leaders to support the Deputy Governor for county chief.
Who is He?
M’Ethingia was born into a prominent family in Meru and is the son of Paul M’Ethingia, the former chairman of the Njuri Ncheke Council of Elders.
In August 2022, the Deputy Governor rose to prominence after Mwangaza defeated Meru political titans such as Former Governor Kiraitu Murungi and Linturi to win the Gubernatorial election.
Before entering politics, M’Ethingia spent 19 years as a Senior Sergeant and Social Welfare Officer in the Kenya Prisons Service.
In the past, he has also served as a reverend for the Methodist Churches of Kenya.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Kenya Methodist University and a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice.
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M’Ethingia is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Governance and Ethics at Mount Kenya University.
“Notably, he served as a Child Rights Advocate with Plan International, Chairman of several esteemed Institutions, Youth Representative for Habitat for Humanity in the Mount Kenya Region, and Human Rights Officer and Inmate Rehabilitation Program Implementer within the prison services,” read his profile on the county website.
“His diverse range of responsibilities showcases his versatility and capacity for impactful change.”
As the county’s deputy administrator, he is Mwangaza’s chief aide entrusted with assisting her in achieving her manifesto.
Indictment of Mwangaza
Mwangaza was removed from office by the Meru County Assembly. At the Wednesday debate, all 59 MCAs present voted in favor of her impeachment.
Among other violations, the governor is accused of misappropriating county funds, nepotism, bullying, and egregious misconduct.
According to Article 181 of the Kenyan Constitution of 2010, the matter is now before the Senate, which will either uphold or dismiss the charges brought against her.
The MCAs of Meru impeached Mwangaza for a second time with Wednesday’s resolution. In December 2022, she survived a second attempt at impeachment after the Senate dismissed the allegations against her.
Isaac M’Ethingia Sets Sights on Meru Governor Role Amid Mwangaza Impeachment
