John Methu Insists Remarks on President Ruto Were Not Meant as Disrespect

John Methu Insists Remarks on President Ruto Were Not Meant as Disrespect

John Methu has defended his recent remarks directed at President William Ruto, maintaining that his comments were not intended to undermine the presidency but rather to highlight concerns affecting residents of Nyandarua County.

Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday, April 12, the senator sought to clarify his relationship with the Head of State following public backlash over statements he made during the burial of former Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho.

Methu emphasised that he has maintained a cordial relationship with President Ruto over the years, describing himself as one of the legislators who previously enjoyed close political ties with the President.

“I have known President Ruto for quite some time, especially since I was elected. Amongst his most favourite legislators then was myself. I have visited most of his farms. He campaigned for me, and I campaigned for him,” Methu said.

The senator, however, underscored the importance of balancing respect with accountability, noting that leadership requires honesty even in engagements with the highest office in the land.

“I respect him as the Head of State, as the Commander-in-Chief, as a parent… but it would also be wrong for me to fear him because if I fear him, I will not be a good leader,” he added.

Methu’s clarification follows widespread reaction to his speech in Ol Kalou, where he publicly criticised the President’s administration for what he termed as unfulfilled promises to the region.

During the burial ceremony, the senator delivered remarks that drew mixed reactions from both political leaders and members of the public.

“President William Samoei Ruto, I respect you, but I do not fear you. Your friends are those who tell you the truth. Our job as leaders is not to come here and clap for you, but to tell you what is happening on the ground,” Methu stated at the time.

The comments were interpreted by some as a breach of protocol and disrespect toward the presidency, prompting calls from sections of the public for an apology. However, Methu has remained firm, insisting that his intention was not to embarrass the President but to speak candidly on behalf of his constituents.

He reiterated that constructive criticism should not be misconstrued as hostility, arguing that leaders have a duty to hold the government accountable, particularly on development pledges.

“He cannot purport to say that I was disrespectful for just overseeing. I had no intent of embarrassing him,” Methu explained.

Despite rejecting calls to apologise directly to the President, the senator expressed willingness to apologise to residents of Ol Kalou, stating that the event may have provided another platform for additional promises without clear timelines for implementation.

“The only part we should apologise to is the people of Ol Kalou, because we gave the President another avenue to make more promises. The ones he has already promised have not been honoured,” he said.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between political leaders and the electorate over service delivery and accountability, particularly in regions that feel underserved despite national government commitments.

Analysts note that Methu’s remarks reflect a broader shift in political discourse, where leaders are increasingly willing to challenge authority publicly, even within alliances that were previously considered stable.

While President Ruto has not publicly responded to the senator’s latest clarification, the episode has sparked wider debate on the boundaries between respect for office and the responsibility of elected officials to speak out on behalf of their constituents.

As political engagements continue across the country, the balance between loyalty, accountability, and public expectation remains a defining feature of Kenya’s evolving political landscape.

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John Methu Insists Remarks on President Ruto Were Not Meant as Disrespect