Sikhala's 'private birthday' celebration draws suspicion in Chitungwiza

Chitungwiza residents have been urged to treat Job Sikhala's upcoming birthday celebration with caution, amid claims that the event may be a political gathering disguised as a private festivity.

The warning was issued by Dereck Goto, who posted on X (formerly Twitter), alleging that Sikhala has a history of turning public events into platforms for political agitation.

"Chitungwiza District must treat Sikhala's so-called 'private birthday celebration' with the utmost suspicion. His attempt to cloak a public gathering in the language of personal festivity is a familiar ruse. Time and again, he has hijacked community events - from funerals to meetings - turning them into theatres of political agitation and confrontation," Goto posted.

He cited the funeral of Moreblessing Ali as one example of what he described as Sikhala's pattern of politicising emotionally charged gatherings.

"The record is clear. From the chaos surrounding the funeral of Moreblessing Ali to other inflammatory spectacles, Sikhala has consistently used public emotion as a prop for self-promotion, often leaving behind division, intimidation, and violence."

Goto also questioned the scale and tone of Sikhala's invitation, which reportedly mentions the attendance of "ambassadors and dignitaries."

"The choice of a public venue, the formal tone of his correspondence, and the scale of organisation betray an unmistakable political agenda."

He warned that the event could be a calculated attempt to provoke confrontation and attract media attention.

"Let no one be deceived by hollow civility. This is not a birthday - it is a staged performance aimed at rekindling political chaos and media spectacle. Authorities would do well to see it for what it is: a calculated attempt to bait confrontation and destabilise public order under the guise of celebration."

Sikhala, a prominent opposition figure, has not publicly responded to the claims.