John Methu, the Senator for Nyandarua County, has pledged not to shave his beard until after the 2027 Kenyan General Election, using the gesture as a symbolic statement of his political stance.
The senator made the declaration during an appearance on JKL Show on Citizen TV on Wednesday night. Speaking during the programme hosted by Jeff Koinange, Methu said he is counting down the remaining 17 months to the next general election.
He appeared on the panel alongside fellow lawmakers Richard Onyonka and Tom Ojienda, explaining that his rugged appearance represents political defiance and determination.
A Symbolic Political Pledge
Methu said his decision to keep the beard is tied to his confidence that the country will experience political change in the next election.
The senator, who was previously an ally of William Ruto, told the host that he expects to “be neat again” by August 2027 once his political camp secures victory.
“I am very confident that I will become neat in the next 17 months because I have moved around this country… they told me they would remove him,” Methu said.
According to him, visits to regions including the Coast, Mount Kenya and Nyanza have convinced him that public opinion is shifting ahead of the polls. He added that the beard will remain until his goal of a one-term presidency for the incumbent is achieved.
Shift From Ally to Critic
Methu’s current position marks a notable shift from his earlier political alignment. He was elected to the Senate on the ticket of the United Democratic Alliance and previously served as a coordinator for the political movement known as Tangatanga.
Alignment With the United Alternative Camp
The senator is now associated with the United Alternative camp, a group linked to supporters of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who currently leads the Democracy for Citizens Party.
Despite his disagreements with the UDA leadership, Methu has maintained that he will not resign his seat, arguing that his mandate comes directly from the people of Nyandarua rather than from a political party.
As political activity intensifies ahead of 2027, the senator has emerged as one of the more visible voices within the opposition wing. For now, his beard remains both a personal pledge and a public symbol of his political stance.