News / National
Muchinguri, Chimene rift rattles Zanu-PF
06 May 2015 at 07:11hrs | Views
The political fallout between Zanu-PF politburo member Oppah Muchinguri and Manicaland Provincial Affairs minister Mandi Chimene over control of party structures in the province has shaken the ruling party's presidium, prompting it to send a mediator, it has emerged.
Zanu-PF national political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere would this weekend travel to Mutare to douse the fire ahead of next month's two crucial by-elections.
Party insiders said the infighting had stalled Zanu-PF's preparations for next month's by-elections in Chikanga-Dangamvura and Headlands constituencies.
Muchinguri is alleged to have declared herself the province's political godmother following the expulsion of former secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa.
This reportedly put her on a collision course with Chimene who, as Provincial Affairs minister, considers herself the most senior party official in Manicaland.
Insiders said Chimene had also deliberately bypassed acting provincial chairman Samuel Undenge to "prove her supremacy".
She is also alleged to be against the recent election of Esau Mupfumi, a suspected Muchinguri ally, as the party's candidate for Chikanga-Dangamvura.
Zanu-PF national political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere would this weekend travel to Mutare to douse the fire ahead of next month's two crucial by-elections.
Party insiders said the infighting had stalled Zanu-PF's preparations for next month's by-elections in Chikanga-Dangamvura and Headlands constituencies.
Muchinguri is alleged to have declared herself the province's political godmother following the expulsion of former secretary for administration Didymus Mutasa.
This reportedly put her on a collision course with Chimene who, as Provincial Affairs minister, considers herself the most senior party official in Manicaland.
Insiders said Chimene had also deliberately bypassed acting provincial chairman Samuel Undenge to "prove her supremacy".
She is also alleged to be against the recent election of Esau Mupfumi, a suspected Muchinguri ally, as the party's candidate for Chikanga-Dangamvura.
Source - newsday
