Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa on Monday, April 13, dismissed reports alleging that Nyandarua Senator John Methu had been arrested, assuring the public that he was safe and well.
Thang’wa refuted claims circulating on social media that Methu was in police custody or facing treason charges, terming them as false and misleading.
He further alleged that the reports were deliberately spread, linking them to the National Intelligence Service (NIS), which he accused of testing public reaction.
Karungo Issues Statement on Senator Methu Amid Arrest Allegations. Photo: Courtesy.
“Senator Methu is fine. NIS is just testing the waters and Kenyans’ patience. Kenya is ready,” Thang’wa noted.
The now-debunked reports had claimed that Methu was being held over alleged treason charges following his criticism of President William Ruto.
Old images of Senator Methu interacting with police officers during a past incident when opposition figures were teargassed were recirculated online to support the false arrest claims.
However, a reverse image search shows the photos were taken during an earlier confrontation in Kigumo, Murang’a County, and are unrelated to the current situation.
The misinformation quickly spread across social media, with some outlets even reporting alleged tension in Nyandarua County.
Amid the controversy, Methu whose initial remarks directed at President Ruto had drawn criticism stood by his comments during a television interview.
He maintained that he was not intimidated by the Head of State, emphasizing that his duty is to ensure all development projects promised to Nyandarua residents are fulfilled.
Supporters of the senator questioned the backlash against him, pointing out similarities between his remarks and statements previously made by Ruto in 2022.
Many Kenyans circulated past clips of Ruto then serving as Deputy President telling his boss, Uhuru Kenyatta, that he was not afraid of him.
