New Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma Already Entangled in Hiring Scandal

The people of Meru hoped for a fresh start when Isaac Mutuma was sworn in as the new Meru Governor. Barely a month later, their hopes are crashing down fast.

Mutuma is facing a major legal battle after a top lawyer threatened to drag him to court for illegal hiring.

Accusations of breaking the law, ignoring hiring procedures, and bringing in retirees have rocked his administration.

The new governor’s early missteps are already drawing comparisons to his disgraced predecessor, raising fears of another dark era for Meru County.

Governor Isaac Mutuma’s early troubles show he risks throwing away the goodwill he enjoyed after taking office. Many Meru residents had placed their hopes on him to clean up the mess left by Mwangaza’s administration. [Photo/Courtesy]

New Meru Governor Under Fire for Illegal Appointments

Isaac Mutuma’s administration is already showing cracks. Prominent lawyer Mugambi Imanyara has announced plans to sue the new Meru Governor over the appointment of a county spokesperson.

According to Imanyara, the position of county spokesperson does not exist under Kenya’s laws. Even worse, the appointee, Alhaji Mwendia, is 68 years old, far beyond the legal retirement age of 60.

“M’ethingia, if I see Alhaji passing by with a government vehicle, I will write a letter to the EACC. You will be arrested along with Alhaji and taken to court,” warned the lawyer.

Imanyara argued that not only is the position illegal, but hiring someone who should have retired eight years ago is a clear abuse of office. He said Mutuma’s administration showed a complete lack of understanding of how county governments should work.

The lawyer further alleged that several individuals in Meru County are using government resources without proper letters of appointment.

This serious violation, he explained, goes against the Public Service Commission Act Section 80, the PSC Rules Number 70, and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) guidelines.

Former Governor Kawira Mwangaza also chimed in, warning Mutuma that he was heading down a dangerous path. She pointed out that ignoring hiring rules and bypassing proper procedures could land him in criminal trouble.

“Bonoko, you will go back to prison where I found you. This time not to guard the prisoners but to be guarded,” Mwangaza remarked sharply.

This warning comes with extra weight, given Mwangaza’s own political downfall. She was impeached for gross misconduct, abuse of office, and violation of the Constitution, with illegal hiring practices being a key reason behind her exit.

On March 14, the High Court upheld her impeachment, sealing her political fate. Just two days later, Mutuma was sworn in. Now, history appears to be repeating itself with the new Meru Governor following the same reckless path.

Lawyer Mugambi Imanyara [Photo: Facebook]

What Lies Ahead for the New Meru Governor

The storm facing Isaac Mutuma is not just about bad optics. If proven, the irregular hiring could trigger a serious legal showdown.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) could launch investigations. If charges follow, Mutuma could face arrest, fines, or even removal from office.

Mutuma’s early troubles show he risks throwing away the goodwill he enjoyed after taking office. Many Meru residents had placed their hopes on him to clean up the mess left by Mwangaza’s administration.

Instead, Mutuma’s disregard for legal hiring procedures is breeding anger, disappointment, and fear of continued mismanagement.

Lawyer Imanyara’s threat to involve the EACC shows that this will not just be a political fight. It could become a criminal case with real consequences for the new governor and his appointees.

Meru residents are watching closely. They have seen this movie before, and they know how it ends. If Mutuma refuses to change course, he could suffer the same fate as his predecessor — impeached, disgraced, and remembered for failure rather than reform.

The question now is whether Isaac Mutuma will listen to the warnings and act to clean up his administration before it is too late. Or whether he will continue making illegal moves and bring down the hopes of a county that deserves better leadership.