M'Ethingia: The light at end of Meru tunnel?

Meru Deputy Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia is expected to be sworn-in as the governor after the High Court upheld Kawira Mwangaza's impeachment. [File, Standard]

Meru Deputy Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia's rise to power is nothing short of miraculous, considering he spent a year in "political exile" that he has previously described as persecution.

A reverend in the Methodist Church in Kenya, M'Ethingia is now set to take over from Kawira Mwangaza, whose impeachment by the Senate was upheld by the High Court last Friday.

After his fallout with Mwangaza, M'Ethingia's plush office was moved to a less glamorous building across the road, his staff was dismissed, and his vehicle was confiscated.

The rift between M'Ethingia and Mwangaza, a bishop in the Baite Family Fellowship, marked a bitter turn of events following their successful collaboration in one of the most remarkable political upsets in Meru's history.

In the 2022 elections, Mwangaza selected M'Ethingia as her running mate to contest against two seasoned politicians: incumbent Kiraitu Murungi and former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi.

ALSO READ: How Mwangaza's political star was dimmed amid opposition, infighting

Mwangaza won, with Kiraitu emerging a distant third. In their early days in office, M'Ethingia was close to Mwangaza, even siding with her during the county assembly's first and second impeachment attempts.

However, their relationship soured amid accusations of betrayal, nepotism, and sabotage. Mwangaza accused her deputy of conspiring against her with Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi.

As their feud escalated, M'Ethingia stopped attending official functions with Mwangaza. The Deputy Governor also avoided Cabinet meetings.

Mwangaza, in a veiled reference to M'Ethingia, threatened to freeze the salaries of staff who failed to report to work.

"If you are being paid, you must work," Mwangaza said.

However, he defended his absence, stating that he was skipping Cabinet meetings due to safety concerns.

"My life is more important than those meetings," he said.

Senior staff loyal to Mwangaza accused the Deputy Governor of sabotage, claiming he was collaborating with Mwangaza's adversaries, including the senator who has since declared his intention to run for the Meru governor seat.

Fast forward: After a record five impeachments, Mwangaza is finally leaving office. M'Ethingia is now set to return to work, occupying an even bigger office as Mwangaza exits.

He is expected to be sworn in as governor today.

According to his profile on the Meru County Government website, M'Ethingia has made significant contributions to community development.

He served as a reverend in the Methodist Church in Kenya, where he "exemplified his dedication to spiritual and community development."

He has also been a child rights advocate with Plan International, a youth representative for Habitat for Humanity in the Mt Kenya region, and a human rights officer involved in inmate rehabilitation programmes.

ALSO READ: Mwangaza to appeal impeachment as activist seeks to stop Mutuma's swearing in

"His diverse range of responsibilities showcases his versatility and capacity for impactful change," the website states.

Igembe North MP Julius Taitumu vouches for his leadership abilities.

"I have no doubts about his leadership abilities and wish him well," Taitumu said.

Former MCA Irene Mutwiri described M'Ethingia as "a distinguished leader whose humility sets him apart. He embodies servant leadership, always prioritising the needs of the people above all else."

Community rights activist Salesio Thuranira expressed high expectations for M'Ethingia's leadership.

"Meru people have received justice at last, and good riddance to incompetence and poor governance. M'Ethingia will steer the county back on course."