Nyandarua Senator John Methu has defended his remarks directed at President William Ruto, saying he was carrying out his oversight role and had no intention of showing disrespect, even as his comments continue to trigger sharp political reactions and public debate.
The Senator has remained firm on the statement he made during the requiem mass of Ol Kalou MP David Njuguna Kiaraho on Thursday, where he told the President, “I respect you but do not fear you”, a phrase that has since divided opinion among leaders and members of the public.
Speaking to Citizen TV on Sunday, Methu said he does not regret his words, insisting that he was acting within his constitutional duty and was not aiming to embarrass the Head of State. He maintained that his focus was on accountability and the delivery of development projects in his constituency.
He said respect for leadership should not be confused with fear, arguing that elected leaders must be free to question government action without intimidation.
“Fear is a very bad trait, and you have to overcome it to become a good person. You only need to respect him as a leader and a father, but wrong for me to fear him,” he said.
Methu further stated that even if given another chance, he would not change his words, saying he stands by the message he delivered publicly.
“Even if given a microphone another time, I would say the exact words. I am proud that I was able to defeat fear and speak in front of him and say things that really matter.”
He explained that his comments were meant to draw attention to stalled development projects, saying leaders must be held accountable for promises made to the public.
“One of my lines, in accordance with the constitution of Kenya, is oversight. So he cannot purport to say that I was disrespectful for overseeing the things he has promised. It is not my work to clap for William Ruto, but a Senator is supposed to play oversight,” he argued.
He cited a road project linking Njambini to Gatura, saying only a small section remains unfinished despite earlier progress.
“There is a road that connects us to Murang’a from Njambini to Gatura. It’s only 51 kilometres, and before Uhuru Kenyatta left, he built 44 kilometres only a section of 7 kilometres remained. Now it is about 3 years and 6 months, and the road cannot be used.”
The Senator added that leadership must always prioritize service delivery over political comfort, insisting that the interests of citizens must come first.
“As a leader, the first priority you must give is to the people who gave you that responsibility. You must always prioritise your people,” he said.
He also urged citizens not to fear speaking out, saying accountability depends on open expression and courage.
“If you can’t defeat fear, you can never speak up, and I want to encourage our people, both young and old, to speak up, speak up!”
His remarks have continued to attract mixed reactions, with government-aligned leaders and sections of the public criticizing him for what they termed as disrespectful conduct, while his supporters insist he was simply executing his oversight mandate.
