Meru Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia has brushed aside criticism from former county leaders, insisting his administration remains firmly focused on environmental conservation and improved service delivery.
Speaking at the Meru County headquarters during the commissioning of a new garbage collection truck, Governor Mutuma accused his predecessor, Kawira Mwangaza, of misleading the public on the state of waste management in the county.
“I have seen a former governor collecting photos from other countries, including Soweto in South Africa, and littering her Facebook page with lies and propaganda to discredit my administration,” Mutuma said.
He dismissed claims of mismanagement, saying his government is deliberate in delivering on its mandate across key sectors.
“Let me inform the failed former governors that we are focused, intentional and determined to achieve the people’s aspirations and deliver services in health, water, environment and all other departments,” he added.
Mwangaza has repeatedly criticised the current leadership online, posting images of uncollected garbage and accusing the county government of what she describes as widespread disorder and governance failure.
Governor Mutuma said environmental cleanliness remains a core priority, describing it as critical to public health, business growth and Meru’s push for city status.
“We are very happy because cleanliness is next to godliness. We are deliberate in doing what is right to deliver services to the people of Meru,” he said. “Becoming a city is an achievable dream, but we must maintain cleanliness and work together with all players, including the business community.”
He revealed that the county has acquired two garbage collection trucks within months of taking office, supported by development partners including the Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) programme and the World Bank.
“These garbage trucks are part of our agenda to ensure a clean, safe and non-hazardous environment for our people,” Mutuma said. “We cannot do it alone, which is why we are bringing back partners who had left the county due to poor leadership in the past.”
The governor said environmental protection efforts are being reinforced through investments in fire-fighting infrastructure, with plans underway to acquire additional fire engines as the town expands.
On food security, Mutuma called on the national government to include Meru in ongoing relief food distribution programmes, citing the impact of failed rains. He added that the county will allocate funds in a supplementary budget to support schools with fortified porridge and food supplies.
He also announced incentives for youths benefiting from the Nyota programme, noting they will be exempted from business licence fees as they establish enterprises. Other milestones cited include the signing of the Nkubu Municipality charter and the passage of the Miraa Bill.
Deputy Governor Linda Kiome said the county is ready to meet all requirements for city status, particularly on environmental management, following President William Ruto’s indication of intent to elevate Meru town. She urged residents to dispose of waste at designated points to improve efficiency.
Chief Officer for Water and Environment Mutuma Kang’ote said the acquisition of two garbage trucks in the past three months has significantly strengthened waste management capacity.
“This achievement has been made possible through collaboration between the county government and development partners,” Kang’ote said, urging businesses to store waste at designated areas and stop littering.
He added that the county plans to hire 40 additional workers equipped with protective gear, warning that enforcement action will be taken against illegal dumping. He also noted that skip loaders are available to serve hard-to-reach areas.
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood welcomed the additional trucks and called for tougher penalties against littering.
“Those who litter the town should be punished, and dustbins should be reintroduced,” Dawood said, proposing separate bins for general waste, recyclables and food waste to promote sustainability.
He also addressed fire safety, saying donated fire engines would be operational once county legislation on fire extinguishers is enacted. Dawood thanked President William Ruto for the release of Nyota funds, terming them vital to youth empowerment and local economic growth.
