By Gerald Mutethia
Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia on Tuesday delivered his first State of the County Address, declaring that the county has emerged from years of political turmoil and is now firmly on a path of unity, stability and development. Addressing the Meru County Assembly, the governor opened with a tribute to the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga, describing him as “a true statesman whose sacrifices shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.” The House observed a moment of silence in his honour and for Meru residents who were harmed or lost their lives during the county’s tumultuous political past.
M’Ethingia praised the Assembly for what he called extraordinary resilience during the period of deep division that nearly paralysed county operations. “This Assembly stood in the gap when Meru was on the brink of collapse. Your bravery and resilience are the reason our county still stands,” he said, adding that their actions represented “the new generation of Mau Mau—the heroes who ushered in the New Meru Dawn.”
The governor said that when his administration took office eight months ago, Meru was making national headlines for “all the wrong reasons,” marked by intimidation, political sideshows and failed service delivery.
Governor Mutuma and the Meru County Assembly speaker Hon Ayub Bundi
He said restoring unity and cohesion was his first priority, achieved through extensive consultations with political leaders, Njuri Ncheke elders, clergy, business leaders and the diaspora.
“We chose unity over division, collaboration over isolation, and inclusivity over individualism. This is the spirit guiding the new Meru,” he said.
M’Ethingia highlighted major development gains achieved through renewed cooperation with the national government. Among them is the commitment to offset the Ksh 700 million Leopard Rock debt, the elevation of Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to Level 6 with a new 250-bed ward block, and the construction of Maua Stadium at a cost of Ksh 250 million. The county also received control of Kinoru Stadium along with Ksh 150 million for its completion. In addition, a Ksh 800 million upgrade of Gakoromone Market is underway, expected to become one of the largest in East and Central Africa. The governor also noted the reduction of Artificial Insemination fees from Ksh 7,000 to Ksh 1,400 and a new 50:50 revenue-sharing agreement with Kenya Wildlife Service for income from Meru National Park. “Our partnership with the national government is already yielding major development gains that will transform lives across our county,” he said.
On security, the governor said intensified operations have significantly reduced cattle rustling in Tigania, Igembe and Buuri.
He said his administration has constructed a new camp for National Police Reservists, supplied equipment and food to 72 NPRs, deployed two Land Cruisers for patrols and established a new AP training camp in the Northern Grazing Zone.
“We declared war on cattle rustling because protecting lives and property is my core responsibility. Meru will never again be held hostage by insecurity,” he stated.
Healthcare also featured prominently in the address. M’Ethingia said his administration inherited a paralysed system weakened by frequent strikes and abandoned projects, but has since restored operations through negotiation and investment.
Several stalled maternity units and theatres have been completed and equipped, more than Ksh 200 million worth of medical supplies distributed, and maternity services revived in facilities that had been closed for years.
He added that cancer screening campaigns have been rolled out countywide, supported by the installation of a modern CT scan and expansion of oncology services.
“Every resident of Meru deserves dignified, accessible and effective healthcare, and we are rebuilding the system to deliver exactly that,” he said.
The governor also urged residents to embrace early cancer screening, lamenting over the county’s high cancer burden.
“Early detection saves lives, and services are now closer to the community,” he said.
M’Ethingia said his leadership marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for Meru County.
“Our clarion call is loud and clear we are building Meru together. This is the dawn of a new chapter defined by stability, development and hope,” he said.
