Muchinguri claims rivals targeting her children

Published: 6 hours ago

Defence minister and Zanu-PF chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has hit back at what she described as cyber-bullies and political opponents targeting her children for supporting President Emmerson Mnangagwa's continued stay in power.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with NewsDay, Muchinguri-Kashiri said social media users had invaded her family's privacy after she recently declared that Mnangagwa was "the country's best foot forward."

"Why involve our children in Zanu-PF matters? They should attack the mother, not my daughter," she said, describing the online critics as "lazy people" and "drug users."

Her remarks come amid reports alleging that one of her children was linked to an underground criminal network - claims she dismissed as politically motivated.

The Defence minister accused her detractors of trying to silence her, vowing she would not back down. She urged fellow ministers to protect their children, warning that some might be targeted or "drugged" by political enemies.

Zanu-PF has been battling internal divisions tied to succession politics, despite Muchinguri-Kashiri insisting the party leadership remains "united."

Political analysts backed her right to defend her family.

Analyst Tatenda Chakari said her daughter, as a private citizen, "deserves respect and protection from unfounded allegations," while Rejoice Ngwenya noted that Muchinguri-Kashiri's fears were "justified" given Zanu-PF's history of internal rivalries.

Factional tensions in Manicaland Province, where Muchinguri-Kashiri hails from, have recently resurfaced - with rivalries between party heavyweights and allegations of unofficial groups like Boys DzaMudhara influencing local politics.

The ruling party is set to hold its annual conference in Mutare next week, amid growing speculation about Mnangagwa's possible term extension beyond 2028.
- newsday

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