Calls mount for Zanu-PF Insiza MP Farai Taruvinga's expulsion

Villagers in the Insiza North constituency are growing increasingly frustrated with their Member of Parliament, Farai Taruvinga, as concerns mount over his prolonged absence from Parliament since his swearing-in last September.

Taruvinga, a gold baron who won the House of Assembly seat on a Zanu-PF ticket, has not attended any parliamentary sittings since his formal induction on September 6, 2023. This has led to calls for his resignation or expulsion, with many questioning his commitment to his constituents and the duties he was elected to perform.

Villagers, some of whom spoke anonymously to NewZimbabwe.com, have expressed dissatisfaction with Taruvinga's neglect of both his parliamentary responsibilities and his constituency. "We do not know if Taruvinga is still representing us anymore because he has missed over 100 Parliament sittings and has not even come back to us, just to hear out any of our grievances," one villager stated, adding that promises made during the campaign had not been fulfilled.

Under the Zimbabwean constitution, an MP can only miss 21 consecutive sittings without formal leave. After this, Parliament is required to vote on whether the seat should be declared vacant. The issue has raised questions about the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, and his responsibility to act on Taruvinga's absence. "Mudenda should have, by now, announced Taruvinga's exit from Parliament according to the constitution," said another concerned villager.

Section 129(f) of the Zimbabwean constitution stipulates that if an MP is absent for 21 consecutive sittings without leave, and Parliament resolves by a majority vote to declare the seat vacant, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) must call for a by-election.

Taruvinga's situation is complicated by ongoing health issues. Reports indicate that he is battling Stage 4 Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer, and has been receiving regular chemotherapy treatment. Sources close to him have suggested that his medical condition, which requires frequent hospital visits, has made it impossible for him to perform his parliamentary duties.

In addition to his health struggles, Taruvinga is embroiled in legal disputes, including a court case over an alleged failure to service a US$1.7 million debt that has since ballooned to US$3.6 million. These factors have only fueled further criticism of his leadership and his continued absence from the public eye.

As pressure continues to mount on Taruvinga to either return to his duties or vacate his seat, the people of Insiza North remain in limbo, uncertain of when they will see the representation they were promised. The growing discontent has led to a call for immediate action, with many constituents urging Speaker Mudenda and ZEC to address the issue without further delay.