President William Ruto has revealed that he advised newly sworn-in Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma to appoint Linda Kiome as the Deputy Governor for Meru.
Dispelling allegations by the former Governor Kawira Mwangaza that she was axed from the position for being a woman, the president explained that his strong support for women and commitment to their empowerment led him to advise Governor Mutuma to nominate a woman as Deputy Governor.
"We don't have any conflicts with women; we love and support women very much, and that is why I advised the new governor to look for a woman to become the deputy governor," the president revealed.
The president urged the Meru residents to support the governor and his deputy and shun the politics of strife, hatred, and divisions for the unity of the county.
'I believe you have seen the loss that takes place when people and leaders are divided. There is no plan and progress; I humbly request the leaders and people of Meru to stand with the new governor, support him, and work together with him for development,'' Ruto directed.
The new governor has been on the frontlines, promoting President Ruto's agenda in the county.
On Tuesday, before the president's visit, the governor mobilised Cabinet Secretaries, Senators, Members of Parliament, MCAs, parastatal heads, and clergy representatives from the region in preparation for the visit.
Both the governor and the president are speaking from the same page as they call for unity among leaders and residents for shared development.
On March 22, the governor nominated Lawyer Linda Kiome as his deputy, who is currently awaiting vetting and approval by the Meru County Assembly before officially assuming office.
Kiome is the daughter of Samuel Kiome Rimbere, a former councilor and the first Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Meru’s Municipality Ward.
This is not the first time Kiome has landed a leadership role; barely two months ago, President Ruto appointed her as the Vice-Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Selection Panel, where she deputised Nelson Makanda.
She also briefly served as the legal advisor to Governor Mwangaza before their professional relationship deteriorated, leading to her dismissal in April 2024.
