Methu challenges Ruto to defend four-year record as DCP steps up attack

Methu said the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader's public accountability and audit statement issued on Tuesday, August 11, had put the government's record under scrutiny on issues ranging from the cost of living and taxation to public debt, healthcare, education and insecurity.

The senator said millions of Kenyans were seeking answers on whether the government had delivered on the promises made during the 2022 election campaign.

"Our representatives are clear he has broken the covenant," Methu said.

He challenged the government and its allies to produce a detailed rebuttal of Gachagua's assessment rather than dismissing the former deputy president on account of his previous position in government.

"Why can't you prepare a comprehensive rebuttal on the four-year performance of Gachagua? Provide evidence," he said.

Methu questioned whether the economic gains frequently cited by the government were translating into better household incomes and improved living standards.

"On the cost of living, are Kenyans better than 2022? On taxation on income, has it increased or decreased?" he posed.

He also demanded an account of the country's debt position, asking how much public debt President Ruto inherited in 2022 and how much has been accumulated since.

The senator further questioned the state of public education financing, asking why universities, schools, students and parents continued to face financial pressures despite increased government spending on the sector.

On healthcare, Methu challenged the government to demonstrate whether the Social Health Authority (SHA) was delivering better and more affordable healthcare than the system it replaced.

He also questioned whether the President was aware of the ongoing nurses' strike, which began in July.

"Is William Ruto aware nurses are on strike? They have been on strike since July 2026," he said.

Methu also demanded answers on allegations of corruption and excessive government expenditure, challenging the administration to identify specific claims made by the opposition that it considers false and provide evidence to disprove them.

"Which allegations are false? Identify it and provide evidence," he said.

The senator extended the challenge to the government's record on human rights and security, asking how many reported cases of abductions and killings had been investigated and how many had resulted in prosecutions.

He argued that the same scrutiny should be applied to the promises contained in Ruto's 2022 campaign platform.

"Of all the promises William Ruto made in 2022, which one has been achieved?" he asked.

Methu said Gachagua's four-year tenure as deputy president should not be used to invalidate his current criticism of the administration.

"Yes, Gachagua was inside government but it does not invalidate what he is saying," he said.

"If a former DP tells the people of Kenya that certain things are happening, is what he is saying true or false?"

The senator also rejected the government's use of economic indicators such as increased consumption of soft drinks as evidence of improved economic conditions.

"You are telling us more Kenyans are taking soda and therefore the economy is good," Methu said.

"It must be felt in people's pockets. Don't just tell Kenyans the economy has grown. Are Kenyans saving more? Are businesses making profits? Are young people finding jobs?"

He jokingly attributed the rise in soda consumption to State House consumption, saying the President's delegation was responsible for the trend.

"The consumption of soda has increased because of its consumption in State House. That is what President William Ruto feeds his delegation," he said.

Methu 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 erupted outside the church.

Police said in February that investigations were ongoing and that officers had recorded statements, reviewed footage and analysed intelligence to identify those responsible.

"Why haven't the attackers of Witima Church been arrested?" Methu asked.

Gachagua's political allies have previously accused security agencies of delaying action over the incident, while the opposition announced plans to pursue private prosecution against 12 police officers and two MPs over the attack.