Drama, tension at MP David Kiaraho's memorial as Senator Methu attacks Ruto, Ichung'wa

Drama started after Senator Methu launched a spirited defence of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and went ahead to attack President William Ruto and Leader of the Majority Party in the National Assembly, Kimani Ichung'wa.

He started his speech, surprised by the reception he received, insinuating that there were people who had been bused in to heckle him and other leaders.

He claimed there were plans to bring in people at night to disrupt the meeting, but said residents had refused to be used to shout down leaders.

“You have done great by welcoming us here. We have been told that some people had been brought at night to shout us down… and you said you were not going to do something like that,” he added.

Methu then asked the gathering to show support for Gachagua, referring to him as “our deputy president” and “our king,” and claimed the former DP had been subjected to sustained attacks.

“Is that how much you love our deputy president Rigathi Gachagua… is that how much you love our king? This person who has been hated on? This person who is constantly insulted? This person who was kicked out of government?” he posed.

The senator went on to allege that Gachagua has been insulted by the National Assembly Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, and President Ruto.

“This person that gets insulted by Kimani Ichung’wah… this person who gets insulted by President William Ruto,” he said.

At one point, Kinangop MP Zachary Kwenya, who was the master of the ceremony, attempted to take away the microphone, prompting Methu to protest and insist he had a right to address mourners as the Senator of the host county.

“Kwani ni nani Senator wa hapa?” he asked, declining to stop speaking.

Addressing President Ruto directly, Methu said he respected him but was not intimidated, insisting leaders must point out what is not working on the ground.

“Mheshimiwa rais nataka nikwambie… mimi nakuheshimu sana. Lakini nataka nikwambie nakuheshimu, lakini sikuogopi,” he said.

He then listed projects he said had been promised in Nyandarua but were yet to be delivered, arguing he was not playing politics by raising the issues.

“As senator wa hapa… tulikuwa pale kwa mama Kimathi, ukatwambia kwamba barabara ya kutoka hapa Kinamba kwenda Karangatha hadi Haraka itawekwa lami na haijawekwa, nimepiga siasa gani?” he asked.

He also cited the Kariamu–Shamata road, saying: “Tulikuwa na wewe Shamata, ukasema barabara ya kutoka hapa Kariamu kwenda Shamata itawekwa lami, na haijawekwa, hiyo ni siasa gani?”

Methu further claimed that the completion of the Ol Kalou Stadium had been promised within 10 months, but remained unfinished.

“Ulikuja hapa ukasema Ol Kalou stadium itamaliziwa within 10 months, na haijamaliziwa, nimefanya siasa gani?” he posed.

He insisted leaders have a duty to tell the President the truth.

“Marafiki wako hawakwambii ukweli. Sisi kama viongozi, kazi yetu ni kukwambia mahali hakuendi vizuri,” he said.

Turning back to Gachagua, Methu told him to feel at home in Nyandarua and sought to reassure him of support from residents.

“Kiongozi wangu Rigathi Gachagua nakwambia ujiskie nyumbani ukiwa hapa Ol Kalou… nataka nikueleze ukiwa hapa usikuwe na wasiwasi,” he said.

He added: “Ulikuwa impeached huko Nairobi, lakini hapa na kwa roho za walio hapa wewe ndio kiongozi wao.”

The senator’s remarks came after a tense start to the requiem Mass at the proposed Nyandarua University grounds, where there was push and pull as some leaders allied to Gachagua were reportedly blocked from accessing the venue ahead of Ruto’s arrival.

Witnesses said Methu and a section of leaders allied to Gachagua forced their way in after initially being denied entry.

Tension heightened further when Gachagua arrived, with a section of the crowd chanting the “one term” slogan as security officers attempted to block his team. The officers were later overpowered, allowing Gachagua and his allies to access the venue, where they bowed at the casket and greeted the family before taking seats at the far left end of the VIP tent.

President Ruto arrived minutes later and was received by government-allied leaders and members of the clergy presiding over the service. 

After greeting the family, the President proceeded to his reserved seat without greeting Gachagua, who was seated a short distance away.