Methu: I Was Once Among Ruto’s closest legislators

File image of Senator Methu and President Ruto

Nyandarua Senator John Methu has opened up about his relationship with President William Ruto, revealing that he was once among the Head of State’s closest political allies as he defended his recent remarks that sparked public debate.

Speaking on Sunday, April 12, 2026, Methu maintained that his comments directed at the president were neither disrespectful nor out of line, stressing the need for leaders to strike a balance between respect and independence.

“I have known President William Ruto for quite some time, especially since I was elected. Among 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.

He added that while he respects the president as Head of State and Commander-in-Chief, he does not fear him, noting that fear would compromise his ability to serve effectively as a leader.

“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,” he stated.

The senator also addressed criticism over remarks he made during a recent public event in Ol Kalou, where he argued that leaders should not feel obligated to show unquestioned loyalty to the president.

“I am not the first person to tell a president ‘nakuheshimu lakini sikuogopi’. You have seen Ruto telling Uhuru Kenyatta 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 it 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 further defended his decision to speak candidly during public gatherings, including funerals, saying leaders have a responsibility to represent the views of the people who elected them.

“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 said.

“I lost my dad, and people came to bury my dad on January 2, 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,” he added.

His remarks come amid heightened political discourse on whether elected leaders should openly critique the executive or maintain loyalty to the administration.

Methu insisted that effective leadership requires courage and accountability, warning that fear of authority undermines the constitutional oversight role entrusted to lawmakers.