THE recent fierce dogfight pitting Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo against his estranged wife Marian over the Zvimba North parliamentary seat has exposed more Zanu PF rot amid allegations that President Robert Mugabe had to intervene at the eleventh hour and give an order for Marian to leave the ring to avoid embarrassing her ex-husband.
JOHN NYASHANU
Well-placed Zanu PF sources told NewsDay yesterday that Mugabe came to the rescue of his Cabinet minister early this week when it became apparent that he was facing imminent defeat in the just-ended party primary elections.
The sources added that Mugabe also questioned the political credentials of his nephew Edwin Matibiri who also contested for the same seat and lost to Chombo.
“There was serious debate on Marian and Matibiri with President Mugabe questioning Matibiri’s credentials. At the end of the day, those who had been backing Marian changed alligience and threw their weight behind Matibiri, all in an effort to ensure that Chombo does not stand,” said the source.
Further allegations were that the MDC-T and civic groups aligned to the former opposition party also seized the opportunity and joined the campaign trail on behalf of the Minister’s former wife, pouring resources and other forms of support.
Chombo is believed to be President Mugabe’s blue-eyed boy in Mashonaland West, where the octogenarian leader hails from. Contacted for comment, Chombo refused to shed light on allegations that he had received the President’s backing, but blamed fissures in the province to external interference.
“We suspect that the majority of persons (fighting him) had been sent by MDC elements and NGOs. I have been with my constituency for 18 years and our working relationship has been extremely cordial.”
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Elsewhere, President Mugabe is also said to have flexed his muscle when he reportedly ordered that former Reserve Bank adviser Munyaradzi Kereke be allowed to contest in Bikita West.
Allegations were that some members of the presidium were against Kereke as he was perceived to belong to a rival faction in the party’s intricate succession battle.
According to sources, a delegation comprising chiefs from Masvingo had to seek audience with the President last week to express solidarity with Kereke.
Only then was his candidature endorsed.
