A tense moment unfolded at a funeral service in Ol Kalou on Wednesday, April 8, when Nyandarua Senator John Methu openly confronted President William Ruto during a public address, turning the solemn occasion into a heated political exchange.
The confrontation came during the burial of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho, where leaders and mourners had gathered to pay their last respects.
What began as routine tributes shifted when Methu, given a chance to speak, used the platform to raise concerns directed at the Head of State.
Addressing the crowd, the Senator spoke firmly to Ruto, stating that he would not be intimidated. He said:
“Ruto, I am still the same John Methu. I respect you as the president and Commander in Chief and parent, but that notwithstanding, just know that I respect you, but I do not fear you,” the Senator added.
Methu went on to criticize the President over what he described as unmet promises to residents of Nyandarua, saying he would continue holding him accountable on matters affecting the region.
He also directed his remarks at the ruling UDA party, claiming that the late Kiaraho had earlier cautioned against joining the party during the 2022 political period.
“When we all said that we were joining UDA, Kiaraho warned us that that was a bad party. He told us that he would look for another party and the people here elected him on a Jubilee ticket,” he disclosed.
As he continued speaking, Kinangop MP Zachary Mwenya attempted to interrupt and stop him from proceeding further, but Methu persisted, drawing visible reactions from those in attendance.
The Senator also stirred reactions when he referred to DCP Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua as the People’s Deputy President, while failing to acknowledge current Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
His remarks came at a time when most leaders present, as well as members of the bereaved family, had not formally recognized Gachagua during their tributes. Methu also challenged National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah, daring him to repeat his earlier remarks about Gachagua directly to him.
The situation escalated to the point where Mwenya intervened and took the microphone from Methu, effectively cutting short his speech. The Senator then returned to his seat, which was a short distance from President Ruto, and later apologized for the outburst.
Following the incident, ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Maina were seen engaging Methu in an effort to calm the situation and address the remarks made during the service.
Earlier in the proceedings, protocol officers managing the event had initially restricted Methu from accessing the VIP section, allowing only Gachagua entry. The Senator protested the decision and eventually sat next to the former Deputy President.
The funeral marked the first public occasion where Ruto and Gachagua shared a platform amid growing political tension between them. Observers noted that the atmosphere was already sensitive, especially after Gachagua was not included among the speakers listed in the official programme.
The late Kiaraho passed away in March while receiving medical treatment at Nairobi hospital. He is survived by his wife and children.
