This archive report was first published on 24 June 2020.
On June 24, 2020, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri made a long-awaited return to politics by launching The Service Party of Kenya (TSP).
According to Kiunjuri, the party's mission is to provide a platform for free minds to express themselves and serve the common mwananchi. He emphasized that TSP will be an alternative voice to Kenyans, offering a democratic field where members can make decisions without fear of intimidation.
Speaking during the launch, Kiunjuri stated, “Our Party is about service and we believe in working for the people of Kenya. This party will be an alternative voice to Kenyans.”
He also revealed that the party is registered and has been recruiting members to influence government decision-making. Kiunjuri's decision to launch his own party comes after his unceremonious sacking as the CS for Agriculture by President Uhuru Kenyatta.
During his tenure, Kiunjuri was involved in several controversies, including the maize scandal in 2018. President Uhuru Kenyatta publicly warned Kiunjuri over irregular payments made to maize cartels through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
Despite the challenges he faced, Kiunjuri maintained that his sacking was not shocking, as he had foreseen it a long time before. He expressed relief and thanked God for the opportunity to move on.
The Service Party of Kenya will be a significant player in the 2022 general polls, offering a new alternative to Kenyans.