[VIDEO]: Meru Lands ‘Slayqueen’ CEC Nominee Joy Karwitha Steals Show With Chopper Arrival For Swearing-in; Her Car Theft Scandal Resurfaces

In a dramatic display that has set Meru County abuzz, newly appointed Lands CEC nominee Joy Karwitha Kaaria made headlines yesterday when she arrived by helicopter for her swearing-in ceremony, while questions about her past legal troubles have reignited public debate about her appointment.

The 32-year-old Managing Director of CyberAce Africa, a cybersecurity solutions provider, touched down at Kinoru Stadium before being whisked away to the county headquarters where she was officially sworn in as the executive committee member for lands, physical planning, urban development and public works.

“I had important business in Nairobi when I received confirmation of my approval,” Karwitha reportedly told onlookers who gathered to witness her grand entrance.

“The helicopter was necessary to ensure I wouldn’t miss this important ceremony.”

Her appointment comes after significant political maneuvering within Governor Isaac Mutuma’s administration.

Karwitha’s predecessor, Kinoti Marete, resigned following protests from Buuri MP Mugambi Rindikiri, who accused the governor of regional bias in his cabinet appointments.

“After lengthy consultations with the government and my family, I have agreed to step down and allow my position to be given to somebody from Buuri Constituency following concerns by residents that I am not from Buuri,” Marete stated in his resignation.

However, Karwitha’s nomination has reignited controversy surrounding a 2023 legal case in which she was charged with stealing a Range Rover from her former employer, Luxury Vehicle Imports Limited.

During her vetting, the county assembly’s committee on appointments confirmed she had been cleared by all relevant Chapter Six agencies.

“There was no negative report from the Kenya Revenue Authority, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Higher Education Loans Board and the Credit Reference Bureau,” reported Meru Assembly Majority Leader Patrick Mutuma. “She has impressive knowledge about the docket, is experienced and well-connected.”

Meru Lands CEC nominee Joy Karwitha during her swearing-in on May 6, 2025.

Governor Mutuma defended his choice, stating that all ten executive members will now undergo induction to fast-track service delivery.

“We are working with the council of governors to ensure the new executive team works in line with the constitution. We should now focus on unity and delivering the much-needed development programmes,” he said.

Karwitha joins a diverse cabinet that includes Monica Kathono (Finance), Jenaro Gatangugi (Agriculture), Marius Maranya (Public Service Management), and Dr. David Bariu (Roads and Transport), among others.

As she takes office, all eyes will be on the young executive to see if her performance will quiet critics or vindicate supporters who believe her technological expertise and connections will benefit Meru County’s land management and urban development initiatives.

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