Nyandarua Senator John Methu has challenged the Kenya Kwanza administration to publish a comprehensive assessment of President William Ruto’s performance since taking office, arguing that government responses to criticism from former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have failed to address key concerns. Methu said Gachagua’s recent public accountability statement had raised important questions about the government’s record on the cost of living, taxation, public debt, healthcare, education, corruption and security.
The senator challenged the administration and its supporters to respond to the claims with facts and evidence rather than dismissing Gachagua because of his previous position in government.
Methu Questions Cost of Living and Economy
Methu questioned whether the economic gains frequently highlighted by the government had translated into improved living standards for ordinary Kenyans. He asked whether households were better off than they were in 2022 and challenged the government to demonstrate whether Kenyans were saving more, businesses were performing better and young people were finding employment. The senator argued that economic growth should be reflected in people’s daily lives and household incomes rather than relying solely on national economic indicators.
Senator Raises Questions on Public Debt
Methu also called for greater transparency over Kenya’s debt situation. He challenged the government to provide figures showing the level of public debt inherited by President Ruto in 2022 and the amount accumulated since he assumed office. He said Kenyans deserved a clear explanation of how government borrowing had affected the country’s economy and public finances.
Education and Healthcare Under Scrutiny
The senator further questioned the government’s performance in the education sector, pointing to continued financial difficulties affecting universities, schools, students and parents. On healthcare, Methu challenged the administration to demonstrate whether the Social Health Authority (SHA) had improved access to affordable healthcare compared with the system it replaced. He also questioned whether the government was addressing the ongoing nurses’ strike, which began in July 2026.
Methu Demands Answers on Corruption and Security
Methu called on the government to identify specific corruption allegations made by its critics that it considers false and provide evidence to counter them. He also raised concerns over reported cases of abductions and killings, asking how many incidents had been investigated and how many had resulted in prosecutions. The senator argued that the same level of scrutiny should be applied to the promises made by President Ruto during the 2022 election campaign. He questioned how many of those commitments had been fully implemented.
Gachagua’s Past Role Should Not Dismiss His Criticism
Methu defended Gachagua against arguments that his previous position as deputy president weakened the credibility of his current criticism of the administration. He said Gachagua’s time inside government should not automatically invalidate the issues he has raised, arguing that the government should instead establish whether the claims are true or false.
Methu Revisits Witima Church Attack
The Nyandarua senator also renewed calls for accountability over the January 25 attack at St Peter’s ACK Church in Witima, Othaya, where a service attended by Gachagua was disrupted after tear gas was fired and violence broke out outside the church. Police previously said investigations were ongoing, with officers recording statements, reviewing footage and analysing intelligence as they sought to identify those responsible. Methu questioned why those behind the incident had not been arrested. The incident has remained a point of contention between Gachagua’s allies and the government, with political figures demanding action against those accused of involvement.
