I’m going nowhere, defiant Kiunjuri declares after sack
Fired Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri said his sacking did not take him by surprise and declared he was “going nowhere”.
He declared he would not exit the political scene and would keep the “covenant”, an indication he would continue to work with Deputy President William Ruto.
He insisted that he exited the Cabinet with his head held high.
Kiunjuri told journalists that he had endured humiliations in his tenure, but vowed to remain firm and independent.
He, however, minced no words that he would retaliate when provoked. “If provoked, I will react. For every action, there will be a reaction.”
“I thank God. I feel relieved. Having gone through a most difficult year that on a number of occasions threatened my energy and resolve.
Some of you know that I have endured a lot of humiliation and only God and my immediate family know how this made me feel,” Kiunjuri, said at a press briefing soon after the President fired him.
Remains friends
Much as he has endured humiliation, Kiunjuri refrained from attributing his dismissal to politics, noting that he remains friends with the President.
“I am independent; I will walk this journey. In regard to national politics, I have told you, I am going nowhere. I have a lot to offer. I will continue to serve faithfully in other capacities.”
The former CS said his vast experience in politics, spanning 25 years, puts him at a vantage point to serve the country in other capacities.
The former Laikipia East MP had expressed interest in vying for the Laikipia governor’s seat in the 2017 General Election but was prevailed upon by the Jubilee Party to drop the plans.
Indeed, in January 2017, the President told Laikipia residents he would not allow Kiunjuri to leave his Cabinet as he needed him until 2022.
He has in the recent past appeared to have been in the cross hairs of the President when he openly declared support for Ruto.
Kiunjuri was publicly lectured by the President in 2018 at the height of the maize scandal.
The Head of State publicly warned Kiunjuri over irregular payments made to cartels through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
Uhuru swore to punish Ministry officials if they failed to pay maize farmers, who had supplied grains to the cereals board.
“I promise you and I swear before God, try that again and you will see what will happen to you. Sisi hatutaki mchezo tena (We won’t entertain this again),” he declared pointing at the CS.
Since then, there have been speculations about Kiunjuri’s job as he boisterously joined the chorus fighting the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) report, a project of the President and ODM leader Raila Odinga. 
But yesterday, Kiunjuri thanked the President for giving him an opportunity to serve in his Cabinet for four years, saying he had gained immeasurable experience, exposure and had an insider’s view of how the government works.
Moving forward, Kiunjuri said he now turns a new page, knowing that “when God closes one door, He always opens another”.
Kiunjuri, in a show of his mastery of his native Gikuyu language said, “mumagari ni wa njua igiri” a proverb loosely translated to mean “a person on a journey, should always be ready for any eventuality”.
Asked about his next course of action, Kiunjuri, who appeared to read betrayal in his sacking , chose to remain ambiguous and philosophical.
“I am now free and have time to do other things, I am not going anywhere. The President appointed me without consulting anyone, he has relieved me of my duties, he does not need any consultation,” he said.
Given his best
Kiunjuri maintained he had given his best while serving.
“In this world, we are born with nothing and depart with nothing. We wield power for a time and leave it to others and even in the wilderness, God provides.”
He similarly urged his supporters to remain calm and confident.
“I have courage, determination and faith, knowing that it will be bumpy and challenging. I shall remain as have always been: independent, principled and firm as I have been throughout my political career. I will remain faithful to the covenant,” said Kiunjuri.
He wished the incoming CS, Peter Munya the best as he takes over the Agriculture docket.
“To my brother Munya, I wish you the very best, as you heard from the President’s message and I have myself said this often, agriculture is the surest path toward the economic wellbeing of our people,” he said.
Kiunjuri was accompanied by Laikipia Senator John Kinyua and upon completing his address was joined by Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria.
The former CS has been considered a senior figure in the Mt Kenya politics, with pundits previously speculating he would take over from Uhuru as the region’s kingpin.
