Constitutional scholar Prof Makau Mutua has sharply criticised Nyandarua Senator John Methu over his recent remarks targeting President William Ruto, warning that such language risks undermining democratic principles.
In a statement responding to Methu’s comments made during a televised interview, Mutua expressed concern over the tone and implications of the senator’s remarks, particularly his use of the term “hunt” in reference to political opposition against the Head of State.
“I was shocked to hear DCP’s Methu say on Citizen Sunday Live with Jeff Koinange that he and his consigliere will ‘hunt’ President William Ruto down in every part of the republic,” Mutua said.
“That’s not the language of a democrat. That’s how wannabe dictators and criminals talk. Kenyans beware!”
Methu’s earlier remarks, which have since drawn widespread attention, outlined what he described as a coordinated political push to remove the President from office ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“I never think about what I will be in 2027; what is on my mind is how William Ruto will go home,” Methu said.
“If you have a good Parliament and a bad president, this bad president will influence the good Parliament. For us to try and fix this nation, we have to remove William Ruto.”
In a separate statement, the senator used stronger language while describing his proposed strategy to rally support across regions.
“William Ruto is a very dangerous animal, and we have to hunt him down from all directions,” Methu said.
“We want the people of Western to unite and hunt him down from that side. Gachagua will be leading us from Mt Kenya, and Matiang’i will be uniting with the people from Gusii land. Sifuna and Natembeya will unite from Western and they will hunt him from that direction.”
Mutua cautioned that while political competition is a cornerstone of democracy, the language used by leaders must remain within constitutional and democratic boundaries.
He warned that rhetoric perceived as inciting or confrontational could heighten tensions in an already polarised political environment.