John Methu Says He Feels Proud After Boldly Confronting Ruto at Nyandarua Funeral

John Methu Says He Feels Proud After Boldly Confronting Ruto at Nyandarua Funeral

Nyandarua Senator John Methu has defended his controversial remarks directed at President William Ruto, stating that he has no regrets and would repeat them if given another opportunity, in comments that have continued to stir political debate across the country.

The senator’s remarks, delivered during the requiem mass of the late Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho, have sparked mixed reactions from leaders and the public, with some praising his candour while others have criticised what they perceive as a breach of protocol.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday, April 12, Methu maintained that his comments were not intended to undermine the presidency but rather to fulfil his constitutional mandate as an elected leader.

“If I were to be given a microphone another time, I would say the exact words. I feel very proud of myself that I actually was able to defeat fear and speak before the head of state, and tell him the things that really matter to my people,” Methu stated.

The senator emphasised that his relationship with the president remains rooted in respect, but insisted that leadership should not be defined by fear.
“I respect the president as a leader and as a father figure, but fear is not something I subscribe to. Fear limits your ability to stand up for what is right,” he added.

During the Nyandarua event, Methu publicly addressed President Ruto, declaring, “I respect you, but I do not fear you,” a statement that quickly went viral and ignited national discourse on the limits of political expression and respect for authority.

Explaining the motivation behind his remarks, Methu pointed to stalled development projects in Nyandarua County, which he said have frustrated residents and compelled him to speak out. He cited, among others, an incomplete road project linking Njambini to Gatura, which he claimed had been promised but remains unfinished.

According to the senator, raising such concerns is part of his constitutional oversight role.
“It is not my job to applaud the president. My responsibility is to ensure that promises made to the people are fulfilled,” he said, underscoring the importance of accountability in governance.

Methu further argued that elected leaders must prioritise the interests of their constituents above political convenience, even if it means confronting those in positions of power.
“If you cannot overcome fear, then you cannot speak the truth. Leaders must always put the people first,” he stated.

However, his remarks have drawn criticism from a section of leaders allied to the government, who argue that his approach risked undermining the dignity of the presidency. Some have called for an apology, warning that such public confrontations could have broader political implications.

Political commentator Weston Wanjohi weighed in on the matter, advising caution. He noted that while oversight is essential, the manner in which it is exercised can influence a leader’s long-term political trajectory.

Wanjohi suggested that an apology could help ease tensions and demonstrate maturity. He cautioned that openly challenging a sitting president in a public forum may carry consequences that extend beyond immediate political gains.

Despite the criticism, Methu has remained firm, reiterating that his intention was not to embarrass the president but to articulate the concerns of his constituents. He dismissed calls for an apology, maintaining that his remarks were made in good faith and within the bounds of his responsibilities.

The incident has added to a growing trend of increasingly bold political expression in Kenya’s public forums, particularly during high-profile events such as funerals and rallies, where leaders often address both local and national issues.

As debate continues, the episode highlights the delicate balance between respect for authority and the duty of leaders to hold the executive accountable—an issue that remains central to Kenya’s evolving political landscape.

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John Methu Says He Feels Proud After Boldly Confronting Ruto at Nyandarua Funeral