Nyandarua Senator John Methu has reaffirmed that his political association with President William Ruto goes back several years, even as he continues to defend himself against criticism over remarks that have sparked fresh political debate across the country.
Speaking on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Citizen Tv, Methu said his comments have been taken out of context, insisting that his past working relationship with the Head of State shows he has always engaged him openly and within the boundaries of political respect and responsibility.
He noted that their connection dates back to his early political journey, where they supported each other in campaigns and maintained close working relations.
“I have known President William Ruto for quite some time, especially since I was elected, amongst his most favourite legislators then was myself. I have visited most of his farms. He campaigned for me, and I campaigned for him. It would be inappropriate for anybody to say that what I said was not appropriate before the president,” Methu said.
TheSenator added that respect for the presidency should not be mistaken for fear, saying leaders must remain free to express themselves even when addressing those in authority.
“I don’t fear him. I respect him as the head of state, as the commander in chief, as a parent; his sons are my age mates. It would be wrong for me to disrespect him, but it would also be wrong for me to fear him because if I fear him, I will not be a good leader.”
Methu also addressed criticism over comments he made during a public event in Ol Kalou, where he stated that leaders should not be expected to show unquestioned loyalty to the President, arguing that the Constitution clearly outlines Parliament’s oversight role.
“I am not the first person to tell a president nakuheshimu lakini sikuogopi. You have seen Ruto telling Uhuru he doesn’t fear him. I said it on the podium at Ol Kalou, it is not my work to clap for William Ruto, that is not what has been provided in this Constitution. If you read cover to cover, you cannot see a provision that a senator is supposed to clap for the president, but you will see that a senator is supposed to play oversight on the national government,” he added.
Methu maintained that his duty as a senator is to represent the people of Nyandarua, even if that means making politically sensitive statements in public gatherings.
“If I die someday, I would want politicians to come and play a lot of politics at my funeral because I am a politician. My family must acknowledge and appreciate that I have been speaking at so many funerals. It cannot be that I have been speaking in so many funerals, but I do not want them to speak in mine,” he added.
He also cited his father’s burial in January 2024, saying the experience reinforced his belief that political expression is part of public life and should not be limited.
“I lost my dad, and people came to bury my dad on the 2nd of January 2024, and there were many politicians. I never heard anybody from my family complain that politicians came to that funeral. I would never have forgiven myself if I left that podium without mentioning the things I had been sent by the people of Nyandarua.”
His remarks come at a time when there is growing national discussion on how elected leaders should balance loyalty to the Executive with their constitutional duty of oversight and accountability.
Methu insisted that effective leadership requires courage, saying fear of authority weakens democratic responsibility.
