Nyandarua senator John Methu has moved to explain his relationship with President William Ruto after his speech in Ol Kalou during the funeral service of former MP David Kiaraho.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV on Sunday, April 12, Methu maintained that he has had a good relationship with the head of state and that his statements in Ol Kalou on Wednesday last week were in no way meant to disrespect him.
“I have known President 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,” Methu stated.
The senator also maintained that, following his respect for Ruto, he does not fear him. If he allows fear to take over him, he would not be a good leader.
“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 added.
His clarification comes after public uproar following his speech, which was seen as a disrespect to the head of state.
Methu, while in Ol Kalou, criticised the president, declaring he respects him but does not fear him. He demanded that the government fulfill its promises to Nyandarua County. He accused the administration of failing to deliver on previously made promises, calling the event another avenue for empty pledges.
“President William Samoei Ruto, I respect you, but I do not fear you. Your friends are those who tell you the truth. Our job as leaders is not to come here and clap for you, but to tell you what is happening on the ground,” Methu said.
To many, Methu’s statements towards the president were disrespectful to the presidency, with the public calling on Methu to apologize, but Methu maintains he did not intend to embarrass the president.
Methu was adamant that he could not apologise to Ruto, but instead resolved to apologise to the people of Ol Kalou for giving Ruto another avenue to make more promises on top of what he had already promised.
“The only part we should apologise to is the people of Ol Kalou, because we gave the president another avenue to make more promises. He is making more promises, and the ones he has already promised have not been honoured. “He cannot purport to say that I was disrespectful for just overseeing. I had no intent of embarrassing him.”
On his part, President Ruto hit back at those criticising him, especially on hosting guests at the Statehouse. While speaking at the Statehouse on Sunday, when he hosted the Akorino faithful, Ruto asserted his authority over the official residence, saying he would not be dictated on who to invite or not to invite.
“Why are you asking questions about the State House? I’m the boss here. You are all welcome to State House, and if they continue complaining, I will still welcome them and see what they will do,” Ruto stated.
Earlier, former DP Rigathi Gachagua had criticised the Akorino who visited the State House, accusing them of betraying the Mount Kenya community.
“For the Akorino going to the State House, please speak for your stomachs, not us. You join the long list of traitors who have turned against their own to fill their stomachs,” Gachagua said.
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