Nyandarua Senator John Methu has alleged that President William Ruto has repeatedly attempted to win over political leaders using financial incentives, escalating tensions within Kenya’s shifting political landscape.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday night, Methu claimed that the Head of State has consistently used monetary offers to influence loyalty, including attempts directed at him personally.
“One thing that William Ruto dangles is money; he dangles a lot of money,” Methu said. “He has offered me many times.”
The senator further alleged that similar tactics are being deployed in the upcoming Ol Kalou by-election, where multiple candidates are reportedly being enticed to switch political allegiance.
“For the Ol Kalou by-election, by now DCP has like seven candidates. They are being offered money and told if you come to our side, we will give you money and campaign for you,” he claimed.
Methu argued that resisting such overtures requires firm leadership, suggesting that financial inducements have become a central tool in political mobilization.
“You have to be an extremely firm leader to overcome overtures by President William Ruto and his team,” he added.
The remarks come amid Methu’s growing alignment with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, following Gachagua’s impeachment, which significantly reshaped alliances within the ruling coalition.
Methu has emerged as one of the vocal figures opposing Ruto’s leadership, particularly in the Mt. Kenya region, where political dynamics continue to evolve ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In the interview, the senator claimed that public sentiment across several regions is increasingly turning against the President, citing his recent political engagements.
“The region that I come from has unequivocally told me that they do not want to work with William Ruto,” Methu stated.
“It is my work to continuously remind them that William Ruto is not a good person and he does not deserve a minute in office.”
He went further to suggest that dissatisfaction with the President extends beyond Mt. Kenya, referencing his interactions in other parts of the country.
“I was in Kajiado today, everybody was saying one term. I was in Ukambani, everybody is saying one term. I was in Western, everybody is saying one term. How can he win? Where will he get these votes?” he posed.
The claims, if substantiated, could raise fresh concerns over the role of money in Kenya’s electoral politics, an issue that has historically drawn scrutiny from electoral bodies and civil society organizations.