Political Reporter
Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader, Nelson Chamisa's recent visit to Job Sikhala's residence at 569 Mutsanai Street in St Mary's, Chitungwiza, has sparked both intrigue and dissent within political circles.
Speculations are rife that Chamisa's motive behind the visit was to persuade Sikhala to join him in his forthcoming political venture.
According to a reliable source close to the matter, Chamisa engaged in a private meeting with Sikhala, ostensibly aiming to garner his support for the new political formation he is poised to launch.
The source revealed, "Chamisa held a meeting with Sikhala, emphasising the efforts he made to secure Sikhala's release from remand prison. However, Sikhala appeared disinterested as he was cold throughout the meeting."
Despite the apparent lack of enthusiasm from Sikhala's end, Chamisa reportedly attempted to dispel rumours suggesting animosity between them.
"Chamisa reassured Sikhala that, contrary to speculations, he did not perceive him as a threat. Instead, he extended an invitation to Sikhala to join him in the upcoming political endeavour, promising him a high profile role within the new formation," the source added.
Furthermore, Chamisa allegedly went as far as misrepresenting Sikhala's release, attributing it solely to his own intervention rather than the judicial process.
"Chamisa claimed credit for Sikhala's release, falsely attributing it to his personal efforts rather than to due legal process," the source disclosed.
Despite Chamisa's persistent entreaties, Sikhala expressed reservations, citing betrayal from certain CCC members as a major concern.
"Sikhala voiced his dissatisfaction with the betrayal he endured from some CCC members, indicating a lack of trust in the opposition movement," the source stated.
In response to Chamisa's invitation, Sikhala reportedly requested time to contemplate his next political move, reflecting the prevailing atmosphere of mistrust within the opposition ranks.
"Sikhala expressed his need for time to deliberate on his future political trajectory, underscoring his current lack of trust in any faction of the opposition," the source affirmed.
The source further revealed that outside Sikhala's residence, approximately 100 individuals gathered, and vehemently denounced Chamisa's presence.
"They accused him (Chamisa) of being a traitor and insincerely expressed his solidarity with Sikhala. The crowd labelled Chamisa a traitor, condemning his insincere gestures and failure to visit Sikhala during his incarceration," said the source.
Meanwhile, Chamisa's attempt to enlist Sikhala's support for his upcoming political venture has been met with scepticism and public disapproval.
While Chamisa extends an olive branch to Sikhala, the opposition landscape remains fraught with distrust and factionalism.