- Governor Mutuma Picks Linda Kiome as Meru Deputy Governor
- Linda Gakii Kiome was nominated as Deputy Governor of Meru.
- Governor Mutuma confirms her nomination ahead of county assembly approval.
- Kiome has a strong legal and political background, having served in multiple leadership roles.
Meru Governor Isaac Mutuma has put an end to intense speculation by nominating lawyer Linda Gakii Kiome as the county’s Deputy Governor.
Speaking to Nation. Africa, Governor Mutuma confirmed that Kiome’s name will be forwarded to the county assembly for approval, fulfilling a constitutional requirement to fill the position within 14 days. The assembly, in turn, has two weeks to either approve or reject the nomination, after which the candidate is automatically deemed approved if no decision is made.
“It is true that Linda Kiome is my choice for deputy governor. She has the leadership skills needed for the job and even vied for the same position in 2022. She is a sharp political mind and a leader who understands administration well,” Governor Mutuma stated.
He described Kiome as a highly respected lawyer, emphasizing her ability to promote unity and stability in Meru.
“For a long time, Meru has needed peaceful leadership. Linda is calm, composed, and committed to delivering a prosperous county,” he added.
Who is Linda Kiome?
Kiome, the daughter of veteran politician Samuel Kiome Rimbere, first gained national attention in 2022 when she became the acting president of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) following the removal of Nelson Havi. At the time, she also served as the LSK Mt Kenya Caucus Chairperson.
Her political journey began when former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi selected her as his running mate in the 2022 Meru gubernatorial race, where they finished second to Kawira Mwangaza.
In March 2023, as tensions eased between Linturi and Governor Mwangaza, Kiome was appointed as Meru’s Legal Adviser. However, their relationship soured, leading to her dismissal in April 2024.
Kiome later played a crucial role in Mwangaza’s impeachment hearings, appearing before the Senate as a key witness against the governor. She accused Mwangaza of gross misconduct, alleging that she forged a legal advisory letter to justify the removal of Virginia Kawira, the Secretary and CEO of the Meru County Public Service Board.
A Trusted Name in Leadership
Beyond her work in Meru, Kiome has served in multiple high-profile roles, including:
Member of the tribunal investigating the ‘Cherera Four’ IEBC commissioners.
Appointee to the ruling UDA’s election board.
Recent selection as a member of the IEBC Selection Panel.
With this nomination, Governor Mutuma has placed his trust in Kiome to help steer Meru forward, banking on her experience in law, governance, and political administration. All eyes now turn to the county assembly, where the final decision on her appointment rests.
