HARARE, Zimbabwe | Kembo Mohadi was re-appointed Zimbabwe’s vice president on Friday, two years after he was forced to resign in humiliation due to a sex scandal, as President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s final five-year tenure began in controversy.
Constantino Chiwenga, who became the only vice president after Mohadi stepped down in March 2021, also took his oath of office at State House in front of Chief Justice Luke Malaba.
Mnangagwa has faced pressure from the Zanu PF women’s league, which has advocated for the appointment of a woman to the role.
Women’s groups, rights campaigners, and the opposition all criticised Mohadi’s reappointment.
“With President Mnangagwa appointing Chiwenga and Mohadi as Zimbabwe’s vice presidents, the praesidium remains male-dominated.” The Women’s Institute for Leadership Development (WILD) stated that “more political will is required to recognise the role of women’s leadership in nation building and development.”
Mohadi’s reappointment “provides a window into the moral decadence that is emblematic of the kakistocracy in charge of Zimbabwe affairs,” according to Mthulisi Mathuthu, an academic and media commentator.