Meru County Commissioner Jacob Ouma has been promoted to Eastern Regional Commissioner, placing him in charge of coordinating national government operations and security matters across the region’s eight counties.
Ouma, who has served in Meru for two years and three months, bid farewell to residents, leaders and members of the county security team during a handing-over ceremony held at the County Commissioner’s office in Meru town.
The outgoing administrator officially handed over duties to the newly appointed Meru County Commissioner George Omolo in a ceremony attended by Meru County Police Commander Moses Mutisya, County Criminal Investigations Officer A.N. Kavoo, Deputy County Commissioners Mary Mwangi and Ondilia Ndeti, chiefs, assistant chiefs and other government officials.
Speaking during the event, Ouma thanked Meru residents and leaders for the cooperation accorded to him during his tenure, saying the support enabled the administration to achieve significant milestones in security and government service delivery.
“This is of great respect to be promoted as the Eastern Regional Commissioner to continue with government developments and enhance security,” said Ouma.
Among the achievements he highlighted were the fight against illicit brews and drug abuse, reduction of banditry attacks in parts of the county, improvement of security within major towns, promotion of peaceful coexistence among communities and strengthening collaboration between residents and the national government administration.
He also cited efforts to combat sexual and gender-based violence and plans to establish new National Government Affirmative Action Fund offices in the county.
“I am proud of the foundation laid in destruction of illicit brew dens, entrenching peace, unity and harmony among leaders and residents, the fight against insecurity, the fight against SGBV and peace in this county,” he added.
Before serving in Meru, Ouma previously held senior administrative positions in different counties under the Ministry of Interior and National Administration.
As the country gradually enters the political season ahead of the 2027 General Election, Ouma urged leaders and residents to uphold tolerance and peaceful coexistence despite political differences.
He warned against rising cases of political intolerance, saying such actions threaten peace and stability in the county.
“Let people practise patience, peace and unity because politics shall come and go,” he said.
Incoming County Commissioner George Omolo pledged to build on the achievements made by his predecessor while ensuring continued implementation of government projects and security programmes in the county.
Omolo said he was ready to take up the responsibility and work closely with security agencies, local leaders and residents to strengthen peace, development and service delivery in Meru County.
Edited by John Majau
