A requiem mass in Nyandarua turned into a political flashpoint after President William Ruto, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and Nyandarua Senator John Methu engaged in a tense public exchange.

The event, held in honour of the late Ol Kalou MP, quickly shifted from mourning to politics as leaders took to the podium with sharply contrasting messages.

Addressing the gathering, Gachagua appeared to criticise the current administration, suggesting he had been pushed out of government but not rejected by the people.

“You may have removed me from office, but you did not remove me from the hearts of the people,” he said, in remarks seen as a direct message to the President.

Senator Methu intensified the moment with a bold address directed at the Head of State.

“Mr. President, I respect you, but I do not fear you,” Methu declared, defending Gachagua and accusing some leaders of disrespecting him.

His remarks caused visible tension, with attempts to interrupt his speech as the atmosphere grew charged.

President Ruto, however, dismissed the attacks, calling for restraint among leaders.

“We must avoid primitive politics and focus on development that benefits wananchi,” he said, urging unity and a shift away from personal confrontations.

The dramatic exchange highlights growing divisions within the ruling alliance and signals an escalating contest for influence in the Mt. Kenya region, as political alignments ahead of the 2027 general election continue to take shape.