Governor of Meru: His Excellency Hon. Rev. Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia

His Excellency, Hon. Rev. Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia, is the Governor of Meru County. He was the deputy governor of the impeached Meru Governor, Kawira Mwangaza.

Governor M’Ethingia’s background lies in public service. He was a senior officer in the Kenya Prisons Service, where he demonstrated strong leadership and a firm commitment to upholding the law. Additionally, he served as a reverend in the Methodist Church, further showcasing his commitment to spiritual and community development.

Hon. M’Ethingia has undertaken various leadership roles and made notable contributions to his community. He has served as a children’s rights advocate with Plan International, a youth representative for Habitat for Humanity in the Mount Kenya Region, and a Human Rights Officer and Inmate Rehabilitation Programme implementer in the Kenya Prisons System. These diverse roles highlight his versatility and capacity to drive meaningful change. His leadership abilities were influenced by his late father, who was the Meru and Kenya Council of Elders chairman for many years.

His educational accomplishments further reflect his dedication to personal and professional growth. He holds a Higher Diploma in Forensic Psychology and Criminology from the Kenya Institute of Studies in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Kenya Methodist University. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Governance and Ethics at Mount Kenya University to enhance his expertise in public administration and ethical governance.

Known for his advocacy for women’s leadership, Hon. M’Ethingia actively supports women’s empowerment. His inclusive approach promotes diversity and gender equality, fostering a just and equitable society.

As Deputy Governor, M’Ethingia was committed to advancing the vision of Governor Mwangaza’s manifesto. The manifesto focused on efficient service delivery, economic development, sustainable management of natural resources, environmental conservation, access to quality education, technological advancement, urban and rural planning, infrastructure development, food security, youth and women empowerment, and improvements in healthcare services, among others.

With exceptional leadership and strategic vision, Hon. M’Ethingia is well-positioned to spearhead sustainable development and build a prosperous future for the community he serves.

Nominated Meru County Deputy Governor, Linda Gakii Kiome

Linda Gakii Kiome is the nominee for the Deputy Governor of Meru County position. However, her vetting was postponed after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) failed to give its approval. The postponement was announced by the Speaker of the Meru County Assembly, who stated that IEBC clearance is a mandatory requirement for a deputy governor nominee. 

Before the nomination, Kiome was the vice chair of the IEBC Commissioners selection panel, which has yet to conclude its interviewing process for the IEBC chair and commissioners.

Kiome is an advocate of the High Court of Kenya and a lawyer at Charles Kariuki & Kiome Associates Advocates, where she has worked for the last 14 years. She came to the limelight in 2022 when she was elected the Law Society of Kenya’s (LSK) acting president after Nelson Havi was ousted. At the time, she was the LSK Mt Kenya branch caucus chairperson.

That same year, she joined politics after former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi picked her as his running mate for deputy governor. They came second to Kawira Mwangaza. In March 2023, amid a truce between Linturi and Mwangaza, the impeached governor appointed her as her legal adviser. However, Kiome and Mwangaza fell out, leading to her firing in April 2024.