A requiem Mass in Nyandarua turned tense after Senator John Methu was twice cut off and removed from the podium while addressing mourners at the service of the late David Njuguna Kiaraho.
The incident unfolded when Methu launched into a spirited defence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, while also criticising President William Ruto and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa.
From the outset, the senator appeared unsettled by the reception from parts of the crowd, suggesting that some individuals had been mobilised to heckle leaders attending the event. He claimed there had been attempts to bring in disruptors overnight, but commended local residents for refusing to participate.
Methu then urged the crowd to show support for Gachagua, referring to him as “our deputy president” and “our king,” and alleging that the former DP had been subjected to sustained political attacks and public insults.
As his remarks grew more pointed, tensions escalated. Zachary Kwenya, who was serving as master of ceremony, moved to switch off Methu’s microphone and reclaim the podium. The senator resisted, insisting on his right to speak as the host county’s elected leader.
At one point, Methu directly addressed President Ruto, maintaining that while he respected the Head of State, he was not intimidated and had a duty to speak out on unfulfilled promises in Nyandarua County.
He went on to list several infrastructure projects he claimed had stalled, including road upgrades and the completion of Ol Kalou Stadium, questioning whether raising such concerns amounted to political grandstanding.
“Leaders must tell the President the truth,” he said, arguing that those close to the Head of State were failing to provide honest feedback on the situation on the ground.
Turning back to Gachagua, Methu reassured him of local support, telling him to feel at home in Nyandarua despite his impeachment, and suggesting he still enjoyed backing among residents.
The dramatic exchange came against a backdrop of heightened tension at the requiem, held at the proposed Nyandarua University grounds. Witnesses reported early confrontations as some leaders allied to Gachagua were initially blocked from accessing the venue ahead of the President’s arrival.
The situation escalated further when Gachagua arrived, with sections of the crowd chanting political slogans as security officers attempted to control access. The officers were eventually overwhelmed, allowing Gachagua and his allies to enter, pay their respects, and take their seats.
President Ruto arrived shortly after and was received by government-aligned leaders and clergy presiding over the service. In a notable moment, the President proceeded to his seat after greeting the bereaved family, without acknowledging Gachagua, who was seated nearby.
