"You Can’t Take Our Microphone to Praise Ruto" —Sen Methu Tells Off Ruto’s Allies in Burial Event

A tense political standoff unfolded during a burial ceremony attended by opposition leaders after Nyandarua Senator John Methu forcefully stopped allies of President William Ruto from addressing mourners, accusing them of attempting to turn the solemn event into a political platform to praise the head of state.

The incident, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has reignited debate over respect, political boundaries, and the shrinking space for opposition expression in public forums.

The drama began when leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration sought to speak after being handed the microphone. 

The drama began when leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration sought to speak after being handed the microphone.

The incident happened only a few days after Lamu Woman Rep was harassed in Murang’a for trying to sing TUTAM in an event which was attended by the former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua who's now leading anti-Ruto team.

As one speaker appeared to steer their remarks toward praising President Ruto and his government, Sen. Methu abruptly intervened, declaring that the opposition would not allow its platform to be used to sanitise or promote the administration.

“You will not take our microphone to praise William Ruto,” Methu was heard saying, drawing loud applause from sections of the crowd.

According to opposition leaders present, the burial was organised by members aligned to the opposition, and the expectation was that speakers would respect the context and the political sensitivities of the gathering.

Sen. Methu argued that while all leaders were welcome to attend and pay their respects, it was inappropriate to hijack the occasion to advance government propaganda, especially in front of mourners who are struggling with the high cost of living.

However, leaders allied to the ruling coalition condemned Methu’s conduct as disrespectful and intolerant. They argued that funerals should be apolitical and inclusive, warning that shutting down speakers undermines national cohesion.

Some accused the opposition of hypocrisy, noting that opposition figures have previously spoken freely at burials attended by government supporters.

The incident highlights the increasingly polarised nature of Kenya’s political environment, where even funerals—traditionally neutral communal spaces—are becoming arenas for political contestation.

With trust between the government and opposition at a low point, public gatherings have become symbolic battlegrounds over legitimacy, messaging, and power.