Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has dismissed claims that the Nyandarua counterpart John Methu had been arrested, assuring the public that the outspoken legislator is safe.

Taking to his X account on April 13, 2026, Thang’wa dismissed earlier reports about Methu that circulated widely on social media on Monday morning, alleging that he had been apprehended.

Thang’wa suggested that the National Intelligence Service is “testing the waters and Kenyans’ patience,” following concerns raised about the well-being of the senator.

“Sen. Methu is fine. NIS is just testing the waters and Kenyans’ patience. Kenya is ready,” Thang’wa said.

Fall out with Ruto

Methu, a close ally and vocal defender of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, has emerged as one of the most outspoken critics of President William Ruto’s administration.

Both Methu and Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa were elected on the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket but have since distanced themselves from the ruling party following Gachagua’s impeachment as Deputy President.

The Nyandarua senator has gained a reputation for his blunt and unfiltered remarks, often placing himself at the centre of heated political debates.

His recent comments during the memorial service of the late Ol Kalou MP David Kiaraho attracted widespread attention and sparked public discussion.

Methu remarks on Ruto

Drama unfolded in Nyandarua on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the requiem mass of the late Ol Kalou Member of Parliament David Kiaraho, when Methu took to the podium to speak.

Methu’s microphone had to be briefly switched off after he started lecturing President William Ruto on the face.

The lawmaker started by claiming that the late Kiaraho had warned leaders from the region against joining the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) over claims that it was a bad party, before he quickly turned on the president, saying that he does not fear him.

“Wakati tuliingia chama cha UDA, mheshimiwa Kiaraho alituambia hiyo chama ni mbaya hataingia, akaingia Jubilee, na watu wa hapa Ol Kalou mkamchagua. Kwanza kabisa mheshimiwa William Ruto, bado mimi ndio John Methu. Sijabadilika, Bado mimi ni Methu wa zamani,” Methu said.

“Na Ile maneno mheshimiwa Kwenya unaogopa ati nisiseme hapa, sitasema lakini ukinisukuma sana nitasema. Mimi nataka nikuambie nikiwa hapa kwasababu sijakuona kwa siku mingi kama Methu nakuheshimu sana mheshimwa rais. Nakuheshimu kama mzazi lakini nataka nikwambie sikuogopi.“