Garwe counters Chiwenga's 'Hezekiah' sermon

Published: 1 hour ago

ZANU-PF Mashonaland East provincial chairman Daniel Garwe has appeared to push back against remarks by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, deepening signs of factional tensions within the ruling party over succession and constitutional reform.

Chiwenga, speaking during a Roman Catholic church service in Murewa on Saturday, reflected on the biblical story of King Hezekiah, who pleaded for more time after being told his life was coming to an end. According to scripture, Hezekiah was granted an additional 15 years.

The Vice President cautioned that the extra years brought unintended consequences — a message widely interpreted in political circles as a veiled warning against efforts to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's rule beyond the constitutionally mandated two terms.

The sermon, which has since circulated widely on social media, has stirred debate within ZANU-PF, particularly among those aligned with the push for extending Mnangagwa's tenure.

Responding at a party gathering, Garwe offered a different interpretation of the biblical narrative, suggesting Chiwenga had misread its meaning.

"Hezekiah did not beg for more years to rule, but he begged for more years of life," Garwe said.

"We should all take time to pray for our leader to be granted more life whenever we kneel to pray."

Garwe is among party figures linked to "Resolution Number One," a controversial proposal seeking to extend Mnangagwa's leadership beyond 2028.

Following the circulation of Chiwenga's sermon, members of Garwe's faction reportedly called for the Vice President's resignation, accusing him of undermining the President.

The remarks come amid growing debate over Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, which critics say could pave the way for extending Mnangagwa's tenure and reshape Zimbabwe's succession dynamics.

Chiwenga is widely believed to oppose the proposed amendments, which could potentially block his path to the presidency.

The exchange highlights deepening divisions within ZANU-PF, as rival factions position themselves ahead of the country's next phase of political transition.
- pindula