Nyandarua Senator John Methu has broken his silence following a dramatic confrontation with President William Ruto, defending his remarks as necessary oversight rather than disrespect.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday night, Methu offered a detailed explanation of his controversial speech delivered during the memorial service of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho.
His comments come amid growing political debate over the tone and direction of leadership within government ranks.
“Respect without fear”
Methu maintained that his relationship with President Ruto is longstanding and cordial, dismissing claims that his remarks were out of line.
“I have known President William Ruto for quite some time,” he said, noting that the Head of State had supported his political journey and even campaigned for him.
The senator revealed that he had interacted closely with the President over the years, including visits to his private farms, describing himself as once among Ruto’s “favourite legislators.”
However, he drew a clear distinction between respect and fear.
“I respect him as the Head of State, as Commander-in-Chief, and even as a parent. But I do not fear him. If I fear him, then I will not be a good leader,” Methu stated.
Standing by his words
The lawmaker made it clear he has no regrets over his remarks at the memorial, insisting he would repeat them if given another opportunity.
“If I am given a microphone another time, I would say the exact words,” he said, adding that he felt “very proud” of himself for overcoming fear and speaking directly before the President.
Methu framed his speech as a reflection of the concerns of his constituents, particularly on stalled or unfulfilled development projects.
He argued that the reaction from the crowd during the event validated his position, saying the issues he raised resonated with residents.
“There is a reason why the crowd was following me and reacting the way they were reacting. The things I spoke about are things that touch the people,” he explained.
No apology to the President
Addressing calls from political quarters for him to apologise, Methu dismissed the demands, maintaining that he had no intention of embarrassing the President.
“The only apology we owe is to the people of Ol Kalou,” he said, in a pointed remark.
According to the senator, the real issue lies in repeated promises made to residents that remain unfulfilled.
“We gave another avenue for the President to make more promises. He is making more promises, and the ones he has already made have not been honoured,” he stated.
Methu further disclosed that his past proximity to the President gave him insight into how Ruto handles criticism, particularly regarding development projects.
“I know he does not like being challenged on projects, but that does not mean oversight is disrespect,” he said.
Oversight or defiance?
The senator insisted that his actions were rooted in his constitutional role as an elected leader tasked with holding the executive accountable.
He rejected assertions that his remarks amounted to political grandstanding, arguing instead that he was fulfilling his duty to represent the interests of Nyandarua residents.
“I had no intent of embarrassing him,” Methu clarified, emphasizing that raising development concerns should not be misconstrued as personal attacks.