Meru: Meru County Assembly has unanimously approved the nine nominees for the positions of the Executive Committee members that were presented to the house by the new Governor Reverend Mutuma Methinkia.
According to Kenya News Agency, this decision follows a rigorous vetting exercise of the nine individuals, conducted last Thursday by the select committee led by Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi. The approved nominees include Elias Murega Julius for Sports, Janaro Guantai Gatangugi for Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries, Dr. Denis Mugambi Muriungi for Health Services, David Bariu for Roads and Public Works, and Baptista Muriki Kanyaru for Water, Environment, and Climate Change.
Other nominees approved are Reverend Caroline Karea Kaberia for Tourism, Industry, Investments, and Corporation, Domisiano Maranya for Legal Affairs and Public Service, Dr. Esther Rukunga for Education, and CPA Monicha Kaithiori Kathono for Finance and Economic Planning. Meanwhile, the tenth nominee for Lands, Urban and Physical Planning, Joy Karwitha, is set to be vetted on Thursday, April 24, after replacing Kinoti Marete, who resigned before the vetting process.
In presenting the report on the approval hearings, Majority Leader Patrick Mutuma expressed gratitude to the committee for their diligent work, noting that the nominees are qualified and suitable for their roles. He also commended the Governor for adhering to due process in nominating the executive members.
The motion was seconded by Igoji West MCA Godwin Mutembei Mbiuki, who praised the Governor for selecting capable individuals to advance the county after a prolonged period of stagnation. Minority Leader Mwenda Ithili, a member of the select committee, confirmed the qualifications of the nominees, emphasizing that their expertise is what Meru County needs.
Majority Chief Whip Jim Muchui voiced optimism about the team's potential, based on their credentials, to fulfill promises to the electorate. He urged the nominees to respect the assembly and heed summons, unlike their predecessors. Nominated MCA Doris Gakii expressed confidence that the team will aid the new governor in restoring the county's former prestige.
Ms. Lucy Mukaria commended the governor for adhering to the third gender rule in his nominations and urged for similar consideration in future appointments. The MCAs collectively reminded the nominees to adhere to the constitution in their duties, warning of consequences for any deviations.