Former West Pokot Governor Prof. John Lonyangapou….Photo/IP
A fresh episode of Kenya’s favorite political sport — verbal javelin throwing — has erupted after former West Pokot Governor Professor John Lonyangapou advised Nyandarua Senator John Methu to “grow his brain, not beards,” instantly upgrading a policy debate into a grooming conversation.
In a now-viral clip, the professor appeared thoroughly unimpressed, dismissing Methu’s remarks as the intellectual equivalent of revving a motorcycle in neutral.
“Leadership is not about appearances. It is about ideas,” he said, in what sounded like a lecture nobody asked for but many are now attending.
The drama traces back to a funeral in Nyandarua, where Methu boldly took on President William Ruto, accusing his administration of sidelining ordinary Kenyans and mishandling the economy — because nothing says “appropriate occasion” like political critique between hymns.
Methuselah said he respects the President as a person but doesn’t fear him .
Methu dared Majority Leader in the National Assembly,Kimani Ichungwa to try insulting DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua in his backyard and face political backlash.
Kenyans, as always, have picked sides with Olympic-level enthusiasm.
“I support the professor. Leaders must be intelligent, not dramatic,” said Peter Njoroge, clearly team Brain over Beard.
“Methu is saying what many fear. At least his beard has courage,” countered Jane Wanjiku.
Activist Brian Kimani tried to restore sanity, noting, “This is a personal attack. Let’s debate issues, not facial hair.”
Mary Wambui, perhaps representing the exhausted majority, added, “Can they both just fix the economy instead of fixing each other?”
Meanwhile, Lonyangapou warned that Kenya’s politics risks becoming a full-time insult exchange — a concern that, judging by current events, may already be a little too late.
