The Nightmare Unfolding: Chiwenga Grapples with Mnangagwa’s Devastating Betrayal

By A Correspondent | ZimEye | Constantino Chiwenga is sitting alone in his office, staring in disbelief at the official letter bearing the presidential crest. His hands tremble as he reads the words over and over again, each sentence cutting deeper than the last. It’s not just a routine announcement—it’s a dagger, carefully crafted and plunged straight into his back. The man who risked his life and reputation to secure Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rise to power is now watching his own political future being dismantled in broad daylight.

Kembo Mohadi—scandal-plagued, derided, and unworthy in the eyes of many—has been named acting president for a full 20 days. Chiwenga, the architect of the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe, has been relegated to a mere afterthought, given just 11 days to act before Mnangagwa returns. The letter is a clear signal: Mohadi, Shepherd Bushiri’s spiritual son and business associate of the controversial Wicknell Chivayo, is the favored one now.

Chiwenga slams the letter onto his desk, the sound reverberating in the cold, empty room. The betrayal is unmistakable, and the parallels to 2017 are impossible to ignore. Back then, Robert Mugabe handed power to a deputy in his final days—an ominous move that precipitated his own political demise. Now, Mnangagwa has done the same, leaving Zimbabwe in the hands of a man whose character is steeped in controversy and prophecy.

The words of Bushiri’s 2016 prediction come rushing back: “Kembo Mohadi will one day wear the crown.” Chiwenga’s stomach churns as he realizes the prophecy is no longer a distant threat—it’s unfolding before his very eyes. His boss, his comrade, the man whose presidency he secured, has turned him into a relic of the past. The mockery is unbearable, but the implications are worse. This is not just about humiliation; it’s about survival.

The letter is more than an insult—it’s a declaration of war. Chiwenga knows this move is not accidental. It’s deliberate, calculated, and designed to weaken him. He glances at the clock. Time is slipping away. If this is the beginning of the end, he must act swiftly and decisively. The room feels suffocating as he reaches for his phone. Plans must be made. A counterstrike must be executed. The coup-maker now finds himself on the brink of becoming the next casualty of Zimbabwe’s unrelenting political chessboard.

Harare—President Emmerson Mnangagwa has stirred controversy with his decision to entrust Vice President Kembo Mohadi with the role of acting president during his month-long vacation, bypassing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who will only assume the role for a brief period afterward. The decision has drawn sharp criticism and intense online debate, with many questioning the suitability of Mohadi for such a significant responsibility.

The press statement, dated December 30, 2024, outlined Mnangagwa’s vacation plans and confirmed that Mohadi would lead the country from December 31, 2024, to January 19, 2025. Chiwenga would take over only after Mohadi’s term ends. This has been interpreted by many as a deliberate sidelining of Chiwenga, who played a pivotal role in orchestrating the 2017 military coup that brought Mnangagwa to power.

Social media erupted with reactions, including heated exchanges. Prominent political commentator Obey Shava remarked, “VP Mohadi has been given 20 days as acting president whilst Chiwenga got 11. I hope Chiwenga will not feel that he has been unfairly treated. I hope he won’t think that he’s as half as valuable as Mohadi in the eyes of the President.” This comment quickly gained traction, sparking debate over the implications of Mnangagwa’s decision.

In response to critics, Shava added, “The irony of it… you might be the right candidate for the word ‘dofo’ which you’ve used against me. Go back and read the whole memo and immediately thereafter, beat your chest and say, ‘Ndiri dofo rine dzungu (I am a fool with no sense).’” His sharp retort highlighted the tensions and divisions the announcement has caused.

Meanwhile, another commenter, Makomborero Shoko, questioned the official memo, asking, “Where does it say to 1 February?” referring to the end of Chiwenga’s acting presidency. This reflects broader concerns over the ambiguity and potential manipulation of the timeline in the statement.

Kembo Mohadi’s appointment has drawn sharp criticism due to his controversial past, including his alleged ties to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri and businessman Wicknell Chivayo. “How can we entrust the country to a man whose integrity is so questionable?” asked Rita Moyo, a civil society activist.

Analysts believe this decision could further deepen tensions within the ruling ZANU-PF party, with Chiwenga’s sidelining seen as a significant slight. “Chiwenga risked his life and career to bring Mnangagwa to power in 2017. This decision is not just a snub; it’s a calculated message,” said political analyst Tinashe Madondo.

The weeks ahead will be critical for Zimbabwe as the country watches Mohadi’s temporary leadership and anticipates Chiwenga’s brief stint. For now, the controversial decision has cast a shadow over Mnangagwa’s presidency and raised questions about the future dynamics within Zimbabwe’s leadership.