TAGWIREI’S POWER PLAN IS NOW TOO CLEAR TO IGNORE

Kudakwashe Tagwirei is no longer hiding. He is now moving into politics in a big way, and many people in Zimbabwe believe he wants to be the next president. A few days ago, he spoke at a large church youth conference and told his life story. He said he started his business with only seven thousand dollars. He said he sold his house in Westgate and took a big risk. Today, he is a very rich man. He is close to President Mnangagwa and owns many companies. But behind all these nice stories, something bigger is happening. Tagwirei wants power, and he wants it fast.

Tagwirei is not a small man in our country. For years, he has been one of Mnangagwa’s closest friends. His company, Sakunda Holdings, has made millions of dollars through government deals. Many people say he became rich through state tenders. He always denies it, but the truth is that his name is linked to corruption and looting. He is known for giving money to Zanu PF, to the army, to politicians, and even to churches. He even paid for Zanu PF’s office furniture. Now many people believe he wants to take over when Mnangagwa is gone.

Right now, there is a big fight inside Zanu PF. Mnangagwa wants to stay in power until the year 2030. But his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, wants him to leave in 2028. This fight is breaking the party. Chiwenga is using war veterans and his strong army links to push back. Mnangagwa is using people like Tagwirei to fight for him. Mnangagwa is scared that Chiwenga might use the army to remove him the same way the army removed Mugabe in 2017. That is why Mnangagwa changed army commanders and removed Sanyatwe, putting Matatu in his place. Tagwirei is now part of this dangerous power game.

Tagwirei is using religion, business, and money to win support. He tells young people that they can become rich like him. He uses Bible verses and thanks Prophet Makandiwa for praying for him. He is respected in many churches and was even given an award by the Seventh Day Adventist Church. He gives money to the poor through his Bridging Gap Foundation. He also sponsors football teams like Dynamos and Highlanders. All this is part of building a big picture of himself as a kind man who helps people and wants to lead the nation.

But he also says something very dangerous. He says if you have money, you can get power. This is a big warning sign for all of us. In Zimbabwe, the army still holds real control. Chiwenga has strong support in the army. But people say Tagwirei also has influence in the army. Many people even say he controls some commanders like Brigadier General Fidelis Mhonda, the boss of the Presidential Guard. This shows Tagwirei is not just using money. He is also using the military to grow his power.

Tagwirei has also been given political positions. On 31 March, he was added to Zanu PF’s central committee. He is also the chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee. This means he is now deep inside the ruling party. Many people say this is the start of his journey to be president. His name is now mentioned together with Chiwenga and General Phillip Valerio Sibanda as possible leaders after Mnangagwa.

But we must be careful. Tagwirei has never been elected by anyone. He has no political background. His power comes from money and friends in high places. If he becomes president, Zimbabwe will not be run for the people. It will be run like a private business. This is not democracy. This is not what the country needs. We need leaders chosen by the people, not leaders who buy their way to the top.

We are now seeing a new type of politics where billionaires want to run countries. But Zimbabwe is not for sale. We must speak out and fight for a future where leaders are chosen by the people. Tagwirei’s rise must worry every Zimbabwean. If we are not careful, our future will belong to the rich and powerful, not to the people. We must say no before it is too late.