By Munacho Gwamanda-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has raised eyebrows after being pictured in rare Maasai attire, a striking departure from his usual formal dress code. 

The unexpected appearance has sparked widespread speculation, with some suggesting that Mnangagwa could be appealing to his ancestors for divine intervention as his grip on power weakens and his much-publicized Vision 2030 agenda faces mounting obstacles.

The symbolism of his attire has not gone unnoticed. 

The Maasai people, known for their warrior traditions, have historically resisted colonisation and maintained their cultural identity. 

Could Mnangagwa, feeling besieged by internal and external threats, be drawing strength from the resilience of the Maasai, or is this an elaborate political move to portray himself as a leader deeply connected to African traditions? 

The timing of this symbolic dress-up raises more questions than answers.

Mnangagwa’s rare appearance in Maasai garb comes in the wake of a recent alarming security incident in Beitbridge. 

Police confirmed the arrest of two armed men attempting to gain access to a groundbreaking ceremony attended by the president. 

The incident occurred at a security checkpoint just a few hundred meters from the venue where Mnangagwa, alongside Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, was officiating a high-profile event attended by approximately 1,000 people.

Beitbridge Police District commander Chief Superintendent Mesuli Ncube confirmed the arrests, stating, “We are investigating such a case. Our Criminal Investigation Department is holding some men in connection with that offense, and that is all I can say for now.”

The arrests have only heightened concerns over Mnangagwa’s security, particularly amid growing unrest within the ruling ZANU-PF and increasing military activity in the capital.

Harare residents were recently startled by the sight of army tanks rolling through the streets, an eerie reminder of the days leading up to the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe. 

The government dismissed the movement as routine drills, but sources within the security establishment suggest otherwise. 

Many believe it was a calculated show of force amid intensifying factional battles in ZANU-PF, with Mnangagwa and his deputy, Chiwenga, locked in a behind-the-scenes power struggle.

Meanwhile, war veteran and ZANU-PF central committee member Blessed Geza has added fuel to the fire by publicly demanding Mnangagwa’s resignation.

In a blistering attack, Geza accused the president of failing to govern effectively, citing economic collapse, deepening corruption, and rising discontent within the party and the nation at large.

“Mnangagwa has lost control of both the economy and the state apparatus. His leadership is a disaster, and the country is on the brink,” Geza fumed in a widely circulated statement.

His remarks come as speculation grows over Chiwenga’s ambitions for the presidency. 

The former army general, who played a key role in removing Mugabe, is believed to be consolidating his influence within the military and the party.