Nyandarua Senator John Methu has addressed the recent incident where he briefly occupied the seat reserved for the Deputy President in the National Assembly, describing it as an unintentional error that was quickly rectified.
In a statement following Tuesday’s parliamentary session, Methu explained that he was unaware the seat was specifically designated for the Deputy President. He vacated the chair immediately after National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula pointed out the mistake.
“When we were ushered to the Speaker’s row, my colleagues encouraged me to sit in the large seat, unaware it was the Deputy President’s. I had no intention to occupy it and moved promptly once informed,” Methu said.
Context of the Incident
The event took place during the swearing-in ceremony of Sammy Kamau, the newly elected Member of Parliament for Ol Kalou, who won on a Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) ticket. Kamau’s win marked the party’s first parliamentary seat since its formation.
Speaker Wetang'ula emphasized the solemnity of the occasion, urging silence during the oath-taking process. Kamau pledged to serve his constituents faithfully and uphold the Constitution before formally assuming office.
Significance of the By-Election
- Sammy Kamau secured over 35,440 votes, defeating UDA candidate Samuel Muchina Nyagah, who received about 5,450 votes.
- The by-election attracted nine candidates and was seen as a key political contest in the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.
- The victory gave DCP parliamentary representation for the first time, with active support from party leaders including Senator Methu.
The incident involving Senator Methu has since been clarified and is now regarded as a minor misunderstanding amid the historic swearing-in.
