MDC-T leader Douglas Mwonzora has launched a blistering attack on controversial businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, accusing him of using ill-gotten wealth in a desperate bid to fast-track his political career within the ruling Zanu-PF party. Mwonzora did not hold back during a press briefing on Wednesday, labelling Tagwirei “one of the worst politicians to emerge in recent times” and accusing him of attempting — and failing — to buy his way into influence.
The comments come as political campaigning intensifies ahead of the Ward 6 by-election in Epworth, scheduled for August 2. Mwonzora’s party is fielding Alice Nyahunzvi, who will go head-to-head with Zanu-PF’s Civilised Bushe in what is shaping up to be a closely watched race.
Tagwirei, who recently joined Zanu-PF and received endorsement from Harare provincial chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa for a Central Committee position, has made a series of high-profile donations in the Epworth area. These include the drilling of 15 solar-powered boreholes, the donation of two road graders, provision of 3,000 food hampers, and the sponsorship of 100 primary school students through scholarship programmes.
However, Mwonzora has dismissed these contributions as little more than “political bribery disguised as philanthropy.” According to the MDC-T president, Tagwirei is exploiting the by-election to position himself within Zanu-PF and the broader political arena, using his wealth to curry favour and bypass grassroots legitimacy.
Mwonzora Takes Aim at Tagwirei’s Political Ambitions, Accuses Him of Using Wealth to Buy Influence
“In Epworth, our fight is no longer just against Zanu-PF’s candidate,” Mwonzora declared. “It’s a fight against the tenderpreneurs — zvigananda — who see elections as ladders for personal ambition. They flaunt wealth that is both ill-gotten and ill-used, turning communities into political markets.”
Mwonzora said the people of Epworth would not be fooled by temporary gestures of generosity. “We have told the people: eat their money if you must, but vote wisely. Zimbabwe cannot be bought by trinkets,” he said.
He was especially scathing of Tagwirei’s failed attempts to secure a Central Committee seat, claiming that despite lavish spending, he was rejected by senior members of the ruling party.
“He is one of the most incompetent politicians I have ever seen,” Mwonzora charged. “He tried to use money and flashy vehicles to buy his way into the Zanu-PF Central Committee and failed. He will try the same tactics in Epworth, and once again, he will fail.”
Tagwirei, a powerful figure in Zimbabwe’s business circles and believed to be a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has reportedly faced growing resistance from within Zanu-PF’s top ranks. Sources inside the party suggest that heavyweights such as Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and party spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa are opposed to his political rise.
According to insiders, Tagwirei has allegedly attempted to endear himself to key players by offering top-of-the-range vehicles and making significant financial contributions in a bid to influence internal party politics. While his wealth has granted him proximity to power, it has not yet translated into the political capital he appears to be seeking.
There are growing rumours within the ruling party that Tagwirei may be viewed by some as President Mnangagwa’s preferred successor — a perception that has only deepened factional divisions within Zanu-PF. With Chiwenga and Mutsvangwa reportedly harbouring their own presidential ambitions, Tagwirei’s sudden political emergence has stirred unease in the already tense corridors of the ruling party.
Back in Epworth, Zanu-PF is reportedly targeting at least 8,000 votes in the by-election, deploying considerable resources to win the ward. However, Mwonzora remains confident that voters will reject what he calls a “dishonest campaign powered by opportunistic donations.”
“Why now?” he asked. “Where was Tagwirei before? His timing is not only suspect, but insulting to the intelligence of the people. Zimbabweans can see through this charade.”
The by-election has now become more than just a local contest — it is a battleground reflective of broader struggles within Zimbabwean politics. It highlights not only the fierce rivalry between opposition parties and Zanu-PF but also the escalating power contest within Zanu-PF itself.
Analysts believe the Epworth contest is just the opening act in what could become a protracted and intense internal battle over the ruling party’s future leadership. With the economy in crisis and public trust eroding, the fight for political dominance is no longer confined to parliament or the ballot box — it is being waged in backrooms, boardrooms, and communities like Epworth.
For now, all eyes remain on the August 2 by-election, but the political tremors sparked by Tagwirei’s ambitions — and Mwonzora’s vocal opposition — are likely to echo far beyond the dusty streets of Ward 6.
