By Political Reporter- Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has snubbed his boss, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s 82nd birthday celebration, further fueling speculation of a power rift between the two leaders.

Mnangagwa hosted the event on Sunday in Masvingo under the pretext of launching the Munhumutapa Youth Housing Scheme.

However, Chiwenga was conspicuously absent, adding to rumours of growing tensions between the two over the presidential succession.

In 2017, Mnangagwa allegedly made a gentleman’s agreement with the military, which played a key role in ousting former President Robert Mugabe, promising to hand over power to Chiwenga by 2028.

However, Mnangagwa is reportedly reneging on this agreement, mobilising his allies to push for a third term beyond his constitutionally mandated two terms, which end in 2028.

Sources indicate that Mnangagwa is considering replacing Chiwenga with Women’s League chairperson Mabel Chinomona at next month’s upcoming Zanu PF party conference.