Tinashe Sambiri

Zanu PF bigwigs are already vying for the vacant Gutu East seat, barely 24 hours after MP Benjamin Ganyiwa’s expulsion from Parliament.

This development comes amid allegations of Ganyiwa fanning factionalism within the party and holding unsanctioned meetings.

According to Deputy Speaker of Parliament Tsitsi Gezi, “I have to inform the House that on 17th March, 2025, I was notified by the Zimbabwe African Union Patriotic Front (ZANU PF) Party that Hon. Benjamin Ganyiwa, Member of Parliament for Gutu East Constituency, had ceased to be a member of the ZANU PF Party and no longer represents the interests of the Party in Parliament.”

Gezi further stated that Ganyiwa’s seat is now officially vacant, citing Section 129(1)(k) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

“In this regard, a vacancy has arisen in Gutu East Constituency by operation of the law. The necessary administrative measures will be taken to inform the President and the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) of the existence of the vacancy in line with section 39 (1) of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13].”

The expulsion of Ganyiwa marks another chapter in the ongoing political infighting within Zimbabwe’s ruling party.

With his removal from Parliament, Zanu PF now faces the challenge of filling the vacant seat in Gutu East, which may lead to a by-election as stipulated by the Electoral Act.