Kazembe Kazembe Suffers Major Setback
ZANU PF Mashonaland Central Provincial Chairman Kazembe Kazembe reportedly suffered a major defeat after the party’s commissariat department reversed his decision to co-opt new members into the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC).
Reports suggest Kazembe, who is also the Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, called for a PEC meeting which he chaired and managed to co-opt four members, three of whom are his allies who were allegedly put to fight in his corner.
Kazembe was accused of demoting the provincial political commissar known as Tsine to the post of vice-chairperson, a less influential post.
He also co-opted one Kararira who is his close ally and his right-hand man, Mudzingwa, was made the vice secretary for security.
Mazowe Central member of parliament Sydney Chidamba was also co-opted to deputy secretary for finance.
However, ZANU PF Acting National Political Commissar Patrick Chinamasa confirmed that the co-options are illegal therefore null and void.
Kazembe is accused of making the co-options in a move to consolidate his power base ahead of provincial elections set to be held in line with the ZANU PF constitution.
He reportedly faces competition from James Makamba, Lazarus Dokora, Sam Parirenyatwa, and Monica Mavhunga who are vying for the Provincial chairmanship.
Kazembe has been accused of using his position in Government to cause the arrest of his opponents on trumped-up charges. Bulawayo24 quoted a ZANU PF official as saying:
Nicholas Goche fell victim to Kazembe’s wrath after he was arrested on livestock allegations at the behest of Kazembe who is the Minister responsible for the police.
Lazarus Dokora the chairman of the ZANU PF Mash Central working committee for the party’s National People’s conference was also demoted by Kazembe from chairman to coordinator.
Kazembe unilaterally demoted Dokora after reports that Dokora was a clear favourite to land the provincial chairmanship.
