By A Correspondent
ZANU PF Youth League official Taurai Kandishaya has expressed strong discontent regarding a book written by former CIO Deputy Director General Itai Mukandi, which critically examines President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rise to power.
Mukandi’s book, titled How Emmerson Mnangagwa Blindsided Robert Mugabe and Grabbed Zimbabwe, alleges that Mnangagwa orchestrated a secret plot to seize power unconstitutionally.
In response to the publication, Kandishaya dismissed the book as “a compilation of bitterness, hatred, and ignorance,” asserting that it fails to hold any intellectual merit. “A compilation of bitterness, hatred and ignorance is not a book,” he stated, reflecting the sentiments of many within the party who view Mukandi’s critique as unfounded.
Mukandi’s work offers a stark indictment of Mnangagwa’s leadership, claiming that he is even worse than former President Robert Mugabe.
The former CIO official contends that Mnangagwa’s relentless pursuit of power, which dates back to the 1980s, has had disastrous consequences for Zimbabwe.
He describes the 2017 coup that ushered Mnangagwa into power as a “catastrophic event,” likening it to a dark storm engulfing the nation.
“Life under Mnangagwa is far more oppressive than during Mugabe’s rule,” Mukandi argues, emphasizing the deteriorating political climate.
He claims that after losing numerous elections, Mnangagwa realized he could never win fairly, prompting a shift toward increasingly authoritarian tactics.
Mukandi’s critical tone starkly contrasts with that of former CIO Director Happyton Bonyongwe, whose recent book adopted a more measured approach.
While Bonyongwe’s writing sought to provide a balanced perspective, Mukandi’s account is marked by a blunt exposure of Mnangagwa’s alleged ruthlessness and obsession with power.
As the discourse around Mukandi’s book unfolds, Kandishaya’s reaction underscores the tensions within ZANU PF regarding leadership narratives.
The Youth League’s dismissal of Mukandi’s claims reflects a broader effort to maintain a positive image of Mnangagwa’s governance amidst rising criticisms from former insiders.