Vandalism at TSP offices was political, says Mwangi Kiunjuri

Mwangi Kiunjuri at TSP headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi on June 2, 2021. [David Njaaga, Standard]

The Service Party (TSP) leadership has termed recent vandalism of its Upperhill offices in Nairobi as acts of sabotage and intimidation.

In the early morning Thursday incident, unknown people allegedly took away equipment and documents, including laptops, party seal, printers and hard disks. The burglars reportedly burnt party registration forms that had recruitment data.

Yesterday, party leader Mwangi Kiunjuri valued the loss of equipment and documents at Sh3 million. He also attributed it to a ploy to stop them from advancing their agenda.

Former Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri. [David Njaaga, Standard]

In a statement to newsrooms yesterday, the TSP boss said the matter was reported to Capitol Police station.

“We are however asking, who is behind this cowardly act? As TSP, we condemn this burglary and vandalism meted against our offices. Could it be an act of sabotage and intimidation? Only a few weeks ago, our meetings have been disrupted, where police teargassed participants, and now a break-in to steal and vandalize and interrupt our operations?” he posed.

He regretted that the country was being taken back to the dark ages whereby political parties were intimidated to stop them from advancing their agenda or speaking for the people.

“We want to state categorically, whoever is behind this can steal our computers but not our resolve to build a party to serve Kenyans, can steal our seal but not our zeal to move forward, can vandalize our offices but cannot stop our resolve and determination to be the voice of the people – Twajiamini,” read the statement in part.

“Meanwhile, we have dusted ourselves, the office doors are still open to serve each and everyone. The data they have destroyed or stolen was well backed up and protected. As TSP we shall remain steadfast and focused. Nothing will stop us. We were called to serve and that is what we will do.”

TSP headquarters in Upper Hill, Nairobi. [David Njaaga, Standard]

Kiunjuri has previously been touted as one of the leaders who may be Deputy President Willam Ruto's running mate come 2022 General Election.

However, the TSP leader recently refuted claims that there were plans to merge the party with UDA that is associated with Ruto.