John Methu Clarifies His Relationship With President William Ruto After Ol Kalou Speech Backlash
John Methu has come forward to clear the air regarding his relationship with William Ruto following public criticism over remarks he made during a recent funeral in Ol Kalou.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday, April 12, the Nyandarua senator explained that he has maintained a strong and respectful relationship with the president over the years.
He emphasized that his comments at the funeral of former MP David Kiaraho were not intended to insult or undermine the head of state in any way.
Methu went further to describe the history of his political connection with President Ruto. According to him, their relationship dates back to the time he was first elected, noting that he was once among the president’s most trusted and preferred legislators.
He added that their association extended beyond politics, revealing that he had visited several of the president’s farms and that they actively supported each other during campaign periods.
At the same time, the senator stressed that respect for the presidency does not mean fear. He explained that while he holds the president in high regard—as the head of state, commander-in-chief, and a senior figure he personally respects—he believes that leadership requires courage and honesty.
Methu pointed out that fear would prevent him from effectively representing the people who elected him, insisting that a good leader must be bold enough to speak the truth, even to those in power.
His remarks come in the wake of a strong public reaction to his earlier speech in Ol Kalou, where many Kenyans felt his tone towards the president crossed the line.
During that address, Methu openly criticised the government, saying that although he respects President Ruto, he does not fear him. He used the moment to call out what he described as unfulfilled promises made to the people of Nyandarua County.
In his speech, the senator argued that leaders have a responsibility to be honest rather than simply praising those in authority. He said their duty is to communicate the real situation on the ground and ensure that the concerns of citizens are heard and addressed.
According to Methu, blindly applauding the president without raising issues affecting wananchi would amount to a failure in leadership.
The backlash that followed saw sections of the public demand an apology, with some accusing him of disrespecting the presidency. However, Methu has remained firm in his position.
He maintained that he had no intention of embarrassing the president and therefore sees no reason to apologise directly to him.
Instead, the senator said his apology is owed to the people of Ol Kalou. He explained that he regrets giving the president another platform to make fresh promises when earlier commitments to the region are yet to be fulfilled. In his view, the focus should be on delivering results rather than making repeated pledges.
Meanwhile, President Ruto also responded to critics, particularly those questioning his decision to host various groups at State House.
While addressing members of the Akorino faith at the official residence, the president firmly defended his authority, stating that he alone has the right to decide who visits State House.
He dismissed the criticism and made it clear that he would continue welcoming guests regardless of public opinion.
The issue has also drawn in other political voices, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Gachagua criticised members of the Akorino community who visited State House, accusing them of abandoning the interests of the Mount Kenya region. He claimed that such actions reflected self-interest rather than loyalty to their community.
Overall, the situation highlights growing political tensions and differing opinions on leadership, accountability, and loyalty within Kenya’s political space.
Methu’s remarks, while controversial, have sparked a wider conversation about the role of elected leaders—whether they should strictly show allegiance to those in power or boldly speak out on behalf of the people they represent.
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