Kembo Mohadi, who previously resigned in 2021 amid allegations of misconduct, has now returned as the Vice President of Zimbabwe. He was officially sworn in at State House on Friday, joining Vice President Constantino Chiwenga to serve alongside President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mohadi, a retired soldier and a veteran of Zimbabwe’s liberation war, previously held various ministerial positions under former President Robert Mugabe. He assumed the role of vice president in 2017 following Mugabe’s removal from power.
His resignation in March 2021 came in response to local media reports suggesting improper behaviour. In an unusual move for a Zimbabwean public official, Mohadi explained that he chose to step down not out of cowardice but to show deep respect for the office of the President. He expressed a need for personal space to address his issues outside of the realm of governance.
Before resigning, there were two weeks of reports from the online media outlet ZimLive, alleging Mohadi’s involvement in improper relationships with married women, including one of his subordinates.
These allegations were based on leaked phone calls, which were likely intercepted by the country’s security agency, the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO).
Mohadi vehemently denied these accusations, characterizing them as part of a political conspiracy against him. He continued to assert his innocence and mentioned his intention to pursue legal remedies.
Despite stepping down as Vice President, Mohadi remained active within the Zanu-PF party and continued to fulfil important national duties.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s decision to reappoint him as deputy president and second secretary at a Zanu PF elective congress indicated that, despite the scandal, Mohadi would return to his position in the event of Mnangagwa winning the 2023 general election.
Source iHarare
