OUSTED top allies of ex-Vice-President Joyce Mujuru — who have been in hibernation since last year — yesterday made a surprise appearance in Marondera at a function addressed by Acting President Emmerson Mnangagwa, in a move described by many as a way of reaching out to the new leadership.
BY Jairos Saunyama
Mnangagwa, who is also Justice minister, was on a mission to explain the new Constitution to people in Mashonaland East. The Mujuru loyalists who attended the event included former Higher and Tertiary Education minister Olivia Muchena, former Zanu PF provincial chairperson Ray Kaukonde and former Provincial Affairs minister Simbaneuta Mudarikwa.
It was not that comfortable for the three who spent several hours glued to their seats as Mnangagwa arrived to officiate at the event, over four hours late.
Kaukonde and Muchena sat side by side in the second row for the whole day while Mudarikwa spent much of the time outside in the sweltering heat.
After the event, Mudarikwa could not wait to mix and mingle with the people going straight to his vehicle while others headed for lunch.
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Chiefs’ Council provincial chairperson Senator Chief Enos Musarurwa told Mnangagwa about the presence of Kaukonde and other ousted officials.
He said their appearance at the event meant they had endorsed the current leadership led by President Robert Mugabe.
“I am glad that some of the faces that had since disappeared have shown up, meaning that they have endorsed the current leadership. I acknowledge the presence of some of the worms (makonye) and I assure you that we will deal with them,” said Musarurwa.
Mujuru and several other officials were fired by President Robert Mugabe for allegedly plotting to topple him from power.
Kaukonde, who is Marondera Central MP, was accused of being the chief facilitator and bankroller of the Mujuru faction.
His appearance in public yesterday was the first since December last year.
Recently party members called for him to be recalled accusing him of abandoning his constituency.