Mwangi Kiunjuri, former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, has aligned with a newly formed political party in Laikipia to challenge Jubilee Party dominance in Mt Kenya. The Service Party (TSB) seeks to capitalize on growing factional tensions within the ruling party, particularly between President Uhuru Kenyatta's allies and Deputy President William Ruto's camp.
BBI Factions and Cabinet Reshuffle Context ¶
The party's emergence follows Kiunjuri's sacking from Cabinet last month, reportedly discussed in a January 12 meeting in Mombasa involving senior officials like Interior CS Fred Matiang’i. The meeting occurred amid internal strife exacerbated by the Building Bridges Initiatives (BBI), which has deepened divisions within Jubilee.
Political Freedoms and Financial Allegations ¶
Kiunjuri emphasized concerns about political freedoms, stating, "We need a free platform to exercise our freedoms which are now coming under threat." His association with TSB comes as he faces investigations into a Sh1.8 billion maize supply scandal from the 2016/2017 financial year, involving payments made during his tenure at the Agriculture Ministry.
Additionally, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is probing the procurement process under the Public Finance Management Regulations, 2015. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has reopened probes into a Sh10 billion power project tender linked to a company associated with Kiunjuri.
Strategic Political Move ¶
Kiunjuri described his political maneuvering as a calculated step, noting, "I was going to resign at some point anyway." His move follows a State House meeting where strategies to manage Ruto-aligned politicians were discussed, according to sources.
