Chivayo cornered

Wicknell Chivayo, embroiled in controversy over an alleged audio recording, faced backlash from Zanu-PF and government officials after claims surfaced that he had undue influence over President Emmerson Mnangagwa. The audio suggested Chivayo boasted about his proximity to Mnangagwa and his involvement in lucrative government tenders.

In response to the viral recording, Chivayo issued a statement denying its authenticity and accused his business partners, Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu, of trying to extort him. He apologized to Mnangagwa, the First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa, and others named in the recording.

Chimombe distanced himself from Chivayo's problems, stating that Chivayo should handle them independently. Mpofu could not be reached for comment.

Political analyst Rueben Mbofana noted that Chivayo's attempts at damage control might not succeed, considering the implications of his revelations on Mnangagwa's involvement in his business dealings. Mbofana suggested that Chivayo's influence and privileged status might be at risk due to the controversy.

Meanwhile, the Zanu-PF youth league disassociated itself from Chivayo following the circulation of a video showing him with its leaders. They condemned Chivayo's alleged claims of closeness to Mnangagwa as malicious and unfounded, warning against using the President's name for personal gain.

The youth league clarified that Chivayo held no official position within the party warranting special treatment and urged him to refrain from exploiting party structures for personal agendas.