Paul Nyathi

MDC Alliance MPs allegiant to Nelson Chamisa on Tuesday braved axing from parliament when they walked out on MDC-T interim leader Thokozani Khupe as she made her maiden speech in parliament.

Khupe, recently seconded herself into parliament as a proportional representative MP for Bulawayo replacing MDC National Chairperson Thabitha Khumalo who she recalled following a supreme court ruling which made her interim leader of the opposition party.

As the MDC Alliance MPs walked out Khupe was cheered by Zanu PF MPs throughout her speech.

The defiant MPs left as soon a as Parliament deputy speaker Tsitsi Gezi recognised Khupe during a debate on the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Emmerson Mnangagwa last Thursday.

As they left the legislative chamber, some MPs from both benches all clapped for Khupe who was hailed by some who shouted, “Seva”.

MDC Alliance legislators last Thursday also boycotted President Mnangagwa’s speech as they have done so since the 2018 disputed elections claiming Chamisa was robbed of his victory by the incumbent.