When the recently sacked Meru County Executive for Lands, Physical Planning, Urban Development, Housing and Public Works, Joy Karwitha, landed in Meru for her vetting by the County Assembly, she caught the attention of many.
She arrived in style, with her helicopter touching down at Kinoru Stadium before she was driven to the Assembly, where the Appointments Committee was waiting for her.
Armed with a master’s degree in Management Information Systems from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) and a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi, her approval by the Assembly was hardly in doubt.
Governor Isaac Mutuma nominated her after his first choice, Marete ‘JR’ Kinoti, declined the position.
Before her nomination and subsequent approval by the Assembly, Karwitha served as the Chief Executive Officer of Cyber East Africa Ltd, a cybersecurity company with operations across the East African region.
She was considered a perfect fit for the county position, as her expertise in information technology was expected to play a key role in the digitisation, automation and optimisation of county systems.
The youthful Karwitha, popularly referred to as the ‘Gen Z Ambassador’, was one of the most visible and recognisable members of Governor Mutuma’s cabinet. She was often seen at the grassroots engaging residents on land issues and other development matters.
This is why her sudden dismissal came as a surprise to many, including some senior members of the administration.
Governor Mutuma has since nominated Wanja Ruitah as her replacement. The news elicited mixed reactions, with many people, especially the youth, expressing disappointment over her removal.
Under the umbrella of Komboa Meru, a lobby group condemned her dismissal and expressed solidarity with Karwitha.
“Komboa Meru condemns the abrupt and unceremonious dismissal of Joy Karwitha as CECM for Lands and Physical Planning by the administration of Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia,” the group chairperson Godwin Koome said.
The lobby said Karwitha’s presence in the administration represented more than just a government position. “She symbolised the hopes, aspirations and voice of Meru’s youth. As one of the most visible young leaders in county government, she inspired a generation to believe that young people have a place at decision-making tables,” the group said.
The group described her dismissal as a loss not only to Karwitha as an individual but also to the young people of Meru. Komboa Meru members said they would remain steadfast in defending youth representation, accountability and inclusive leadership.
Mutuma’s letter to the County Assembly did not provide any reason for the move.
Mutuma said the department would, in the meantime, continue discharging its mandate through the existing administrative and technical structures pending the approval of her replacement.
“I have attached the credentials and relevant supporting documents to facilitate Wanja’s vetting and approval by the County Assembly as required by law. Your urgent attention to this matter will be highly appreciated,” he said.