Chief Rimbi of Chipinge contesting elections as MDC candidate

By Tichaona Sibanda
21 February 2008

Chief Joseph Rimbi of Chipinge has become the first traditional chief to break ranks with Zanu-PF. Last week Friday, he successfully filed his nomination papers as the MDC senatorial candidate for Chipinge.

Party spokesman for Manicaland Pishai Muchauraya said Chief Rimbi successfully broke the notion that all chiefs and headmen in the country are solidly behind the ruling party.

‘It’s no longer the case, especially here in Manicaland. They have been lied to, promised falsehoods in the last 28 years and they are saying enough is enough,’ Muchauraya said.

Chief Rimbi’s candidature has brought some new excitement to the area, which is one of the most politically volatile districts in the country. Zanu-PF youths led by their central committee member and MP Enock Porusingazi have for years been terrorising MDC activists.

‘Its not only Chief Rimbi who is defying the system but we also have Chief Gandanzara and Chief Humba in Makoni district who are calling for a change of government. We are happy as a party because they have helped remove the perception that Zanu-PF enjoys strong support in rural areas. I wouldn’t be surprised that it’s happening in other areas of the country,’ said Muchauraya.

The Manicaland spokesman said their province was expecting a capacity crowd at Sakubva stadium on Saturday for the launch of their party’s elections manifesto.

The event will also mark the start of the party’s presidential and parliamentary campaigns, which will see MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai criss-cross the countryside in the next five weeks.