A wave of online claims suggesting Nyandarua Senator John Methu had been arrested caused panic on Monday morning, forcing Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa to step in and confirm that the legislator was safe and not in custody.
Reports spread rapidly on social media alleging that John Methu had been picked up by unknown authorities and moved to Kisumu, triggering confusion among his supporters before any official statement had been issued.
The claims were later dismissed by Karungo Thang’wa, who sought to calm rising tension by assuring the public that the senator was okay. In a short post on X, he stated: “Senator Methu is fine,” without providing further clarification on the origin of the rumours.
The confusion came at a time when Senator Methu has remained highly visible in political debates, often taking a critical stance against the government and making statements that attract national attention.
He is also closely linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and has been part of a group of Mt Kenya leaders who have increasingly taken a position outside the ruling United Democratic Alliance following political shifts after Gachagua’s removal from office.
Both Methu and Thang’wa were elected on a United Democratic Alliance ticket but later distanced themselves from the party after the impeachment of Gachagua as Deputy President.
John Methu has developed a reputation for direct and often hard-hitting political remarks that continue to draw public debate.
During a memorial service for the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho held in Nyandarua County on April 8, he made a public statement directed at President William Ruto saying: “I respect you, Mr President… but I do not fear you.”
The remarks quickly spread online and triggered mixed reactions from Kenyans, with some supporting his boldness while others criticised the tone used.
He later defended the comments during an interview on Citizen TV on April 12, saying they were made in his oversight role as a legislator and were not intended as disrespect to the Head of State.
Methu further explained that while he respects the President, fear should not be part of his duty as an elected leader.
At the same event, he also pointed to several development projects in Nyandarua County that he said had been promised but were still incomplete.
The debate extended to social media platforms, where users expressed divided opinions on his remarks.
One user posted: “Hon Methu, you don't have any atom of respect for the President of Kenya and his office,”
Another commented, “Let us give the President the respect that he deserves.”
John Methu continues to be among the most vocal figures in the emerging opposition-leaning bloc from the Mt Kenya region, frequently engaging in political criticism of the current administration.
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