Paul Nyathi

MDC Alliance vice president Lynette Karenyi has raised concerns to the Sppeaker of Parliament over continued persecution of fellow party parliamentarian Joanna Mamombe by the state besides her health status.

Karenyi said the harassment on Mamombe will scare away other young women from taking part in national politics.

Mamombe who is the country’s youngest parliamentarian was bundled into prison last week by a Harare Magistrates Court under unclear circumstances.

“I have realised that the issue of victimisation and the subjection to torture is also one of the key problems whereby women are not going to be encouraged to stand up to be in local government, to be in Parliament.

“Mr. Speaker, may I also draw your attention on the issue of the right to health.

“Honourable Speaker, we are encouraging young women to be Members of Parliament and we have got one of our members of Parliament, Honourable Joanna Mamombe.

“May I also draw your attention on the issue of the right to health, Honourable Speaker, we are encouraging young women to be Members of Parliament and we have got one of our Members of Parliament, Honourable Joanna Mamombe…” said Karenyi before the speaker ordered her to raise her issue through a motion.

She continued, “Mr. Speaker, but I was trying to draw your attention on her health because it is more important before we raise the motion.”

This did not go down well with Zengeza MP Job Sikhala who intervened.

“I want to raise my concerns over the manner in which you (speaker) dismissed a very important issue which Honourable Karenyi wanted to raise.

“Mr. Speaker Sir, the issue which Honourable Karenyi wanted to raise is an issue concerning one of the Members,” Sikhala’s interjection came to a halt as the speaker ordered him to take his seat.