Barely a month after he was sworn in as Meru County's new governor, Isaac Mutuma is already facing a legal hurdle as lawyer Mugambi Imanyara has announced he will sue him for his choice of the county government's spokesperson.
According to the lawyer, the county spokesperson position is not only unconstitutional, but also the appointee, Alhaji Mwendia, is 68 years old and well past the retirement age.
"M'ethingia, if I see Alhaji passing by with a government vehicle, I will write a letter to the EACC, and you will be arrested along with Alhaji and taken to court," the lawyer stated.
"There is no such position in the public service. M'ethingia you will be arrested thinking you are the governor for lack of knowledge. Even though there was such a position, it wouldn't go to a 68-year-old since the law dictates one retires at 60. Alhaji retired eight years ago."
Lawyer Imanyara further hit at the new governor's administration, deducing that he lacked experience on how to run a county government.
He specifically pointed out the appointments made in the county government, alleging that some people had taken it upon themselves to arm themselves with county resources without even having letters of appointment.
According to the lawyer, the appointments went against the Public Service Commission Act Section 80, the PSC Rules Number 70 and the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC).
Backing these sentiments, the former Meru Governor warned her successor, Mutuma, that he could face criminal charges if he continued on the same path.
"Bonoko, you will go back to prison where I found you. This time not to guard the prisoners but to be guarded," she stated.
Most notably, Mwangaza was booted out of office after facing similar charges of hiring her family members during her tenure as the Meru County Governor.
Officially, she had been accused of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and gross violation of the Constitution.
On March 14, the High Court upheld the Senate's ruling in 2024 that recommended her impeachment. Two days later, her former deputy was sworn in as the new county boss.
