'I Don't Fear You': Senator Methu Tells Ruto as Gachagua Camp Clashes with State in Ol Kalou

Kenya, 8 April 2026 - “I respect you, Mr President… but I do not fear you.”

With those words, Nyandarua Senator John Methu ignited a political storm in the presence of President William Ruto, his estranged former deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki during a tense requiem service for the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho in Nyandarua County.

The rare convergence of rival political camps quickly descended into open confrontation as Methu delivered a blunt and defiant address that laid bare deepening cracks within the Kenya Kwanza coalition.

Taking the podium to loud applause after being ushered in by Kinangop MP and Chair of the Parliamentary Ad-Hoc Funeral Organising Committee Kwenya Thuku, the senator acknowledged both Ruto and Gachagua before launching into a scathing critique of the President’s inner circle.

“Is this how you love Rigathi Gachagua? The same leader who is hated, insulted and kicked out?” Methu posed, accusing allies of the President of orchestrating sustained political attacks against Gachagua.

The charged atmosphere escalated into brief drama when Thuku attempted to cut Methu short, snatching the microphone mid-speech. The move triggered uproar from thousands of mourners, forcing organisers to return the microphone as chants and cheers filled the venue.

Undeterred, Methu pressed on, directly accusing the government of failing to honour key development pledges in Nyandarua.

“Mr President, you promised that your administration would complete various road projects here, but you have not done so. Is that playing politics?” he asked.