The newly sworn in Meru forth governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia has called on leaders, professionals, clergy and residents to feel part and parcel of his all inclusive administration.
Speaker after the other had a clarion call for calm, peace and unity among Meru leaders, opinion leaders and other stakeholders.
At exactly 10:10 am, Mutuma M’Ethingia took the podium assisted by his wife Miriam to take the oath of office as the fourth Meru governor.
Contrary to naysayers that no Judge will administer the oath, Justice Antony Kimani led M’Ethingia in taking the oath of office.
County Secretary Kiambi Atheru handed over the instruments of power and pledged to give support to the new governor.
The ceremony was attended by Senator Kathuri Murungi, Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, MPs Shadrack Mwiti (Imenti South), Dan Kiili (Igembe Central) John Paul Mwirigi (Igembe South), Mugambi Rindikiri (Buuri), Mpuru Aburi (Tigania East) John Mutunga (Tigania West), Rahim Dawood (Imenti North), Julius Taitumu (Igembe North),Woman Representative Karambu Kailemia and
Laikipia deputy governor Reuben Kamuri who is also the chair of deputy governors.
Mutuma said his first priority henceforth is to embark on restoring peace, unity and cohesion.
“We had a painful past. We should forgive one another and forget. We have faced so many divisions but as bedrock of progress, lets forge a united front. We must come together as one Meru community to restore the lost glory. Our unity is our strength,” Mutuma said.
Mutuma said in collaboration with the national government his administration will pay health care insurance for the poor as many can’t afford proper health care.
He said he will start conducting thorough research, screening diagnosis and treatment of cancer menace that has robbed lives of so many people in Meru.
Mutuma said he will reintroduce the mountain run to help raise funds for cancer patients.
The governor also assured to equip and promote health facilities in the County.
Mutuma added that he will endeavour to create 1000 jobs for youths annually through revival of Meru Youth Service (MYS) as well as Governor’s cup competition every year.
Mutuma said his administration will launch a social economic programme called Rukisha.
He said he will launch Digital tech savvy opportunities equipping the youths with skills, tools and jobs.
He added that all tourism sites will be rehabilitated and marketed for Meru to be the best as a resource basket.
The county boss promised to nature and give support to local artists.
Mutuma directed the County Secretary to transfer all rangers who were redeployed to headquarters to the Northern Grazing Zones to end the menace of livestock banditry.
He said his administration will install security devices in the livestock bellies for easier tracing of stolen livestock.
“We cannot cry forever that our people are being killed and livestock stolen. MPs, MCA’s and herders have been crying due to increased insecurity,” he said.
Meru MCA’s led by Speaker Ayub Bundi unanimously promised to end wrangles that have been grandstanding against the impeached Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
Bundi urged the MCA’s to go back to work and fully support Governor Mutuma.
He said the MCA’s were true Mau Mau heroes of the modern day because they stood firm in liberating Meru from Calvary.
“We pray for you to gain Solomonic Wisdom. The war was tough. There were casualties but we are happy for the victory,” he said.
Kathuri and Aburi urged leaders to give ample time to Governor Mutuma as he appoints his deputy governor and County Executive members.
Kiraitu said as a loyal citizen, he will accord total respect and support to Mutuma and congratulated him for assuming a higher office.
“There are lots of frustrated dreams and visions but we are aware the governor is aware of the challenges Meru people are facing. We were to make Meru great. I am grateful this will come true through M’Ethingia. I am honoured he is to revive MYS,” Kiraitu said.
Kiraitu said he was happy that the fight was over and the victory was home.
“Meru had very dirty and shameful politics. Even when you win, know that pride comes before a fall. I will show her how to be happy while at home,” Kiraitu said.
MP Mwirigi said Meru can be liberated if the executive works in unison with the Meru county assembly members.
Rindikiri thanked the MCAs for the unending fight that bore fruits.
Edited by John Majau
