Supporting President William Ruto’s re-election bid will not force the Service Party (TSP) to give up its identity, party leader Mwangi Kiunjuri has said, ruling out any plan to dissolve the party and join the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Kiunjuri said TSP would remain a separate political party while cooperating with UDA and other formations supporting the broad-based government.
He said political parties should be free to maintain their structures and identity while taking part in the broad-based government, regardless of their numerical strength or influence.
“We will not dissolve TSP to join UDA. We support President William Ruto’s re-election, but our party must retain its identity and independence. We believe all parties in the broad-based government must be respected and treated equally. We will work with all leaders, but nobody should intimidate or force us to abandon our party,” Kiunjuri said.
The party leader said TSP’s decision to back Ruto does not prevent it from engaging politicians from different sides of the political divide.
He said the party prefers cooperation through dialogue and mutual engagement, while maintaining that political partnerships should not result in the loss of individual party identities.
Kiunjuri said TSP would continue expanding its structures and strengthening its presence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
He added that the party would remain open to discussions with leaders and other political parties as it seeks to promote cooperation within the broad-based government.
The TSP leader also criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of using intimidation against political leaders and seeking to stir up the public.
Kiunjuri said political leaders should not use pressure or threats to influence other parties, adding that Kenyans should have the freedom to decide who they want to elect in 2027.
He called on politicians to demonstrate maturity and allow voters to assess leaders on their ability and potential instead of being swayed by party popularity.
"Gachagua is intimidating leaders, and we will not bow to his intimidation," he said.