I have no grudges but some of you have to go, Mutuma tells staff

Meru governor Isaac Mutuma, delivers his acceptance speech after being sworn in as the fourth governor at Mwendantu Grounds on March 17, 2025. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has assured senior staff in former Governor Kawira Mwangaza's government that he has no grudges.

Mr Mutuma who was sworn in as Governor on Monday after the High Court upheld the Senate decision to impeach Mwangaza said staff in her administration had treated him badly, as he assured them he does not seek revenge.

However, signs are ominous for many, as Mr Mutuma indicated some of the staff will have to vacate their offices, just like their former boss.

As the differences between him and Mwangaza escalated, Mutuma was not on good terms with some of the staff, including County Secretary Dr Kiambi Atheru and Mwangaza's Chief of Staff Harrison Gitonga and some of the County Executive Committee (CEC) members.

"As Deputy Governor I had gone through hell, even being humiliated. But I am not going to revenge because they were serving the government that was there and they did it in their style," Mutuma said.

Speaking after he convened his first cabinet meeting, Mutuma, a Reverend in the Methodist Church in Kenya (MCK), confirmed that the members of the cabinet were in the process of vacating their offices.

"To those who are likely to go with my former boss (Mwangaza), because that is what the constitution dictates, I have talked and debriefed them, that they should not have any tension before that time comes."

Mutuma said he understood his tormentors' situation and thus had no ill will against them.

"This is their government. I have been their deputy governor, so I harbor no pain against any of our officers. When the time comes for them to exit they will exit with dignity and honour," said Mutuma.

Even as he prepares to constitute his administration the governor assured staff and the people of Meru of a smooth transition, as he embarks on service delivery.

"There is going to be a very smooth transition; no harassment of our staff, whether you were supporting the previous government. That was the right thing to do. Nobody will be punished for whatever reason."

Mutuma said the welfare of the county staff and delivery of services were top of his agenda.

Another task that awaits him is picking his deputy.

Among those mentioned as potential Deputy Governor are Abogeta West MCA Dennis 'DMK' Kiogora, Nominated MCAs Benson Kiriinya and Zipporah Kinya and former Mwanganthia MCA Dr Julius Mbijjiwe.