How Khama got away with 'murder'
Staff Writer | Thursday April 18, 2019 13:39
He told hundreds of democrats at the Lady Khama Hall that Morupisi, who has worked under him, has become a stooge and a lapdog of the current regime as he has become so vicious against him. Mmegi reproduces some of the quotable quotes attributed to Khama was who surprisingly left without any caution from the party unlike some 32 members who attended the meetings.
“I know Morupisi is eyeing to become a Specially Elected Member of Parliament (MP) sometimes at the end of the year after the general elections this year,” said Khama to thunderous noise from his supporters that had thronged the meeting in their hundreds.
“Masisi had said that someone was sponsoring two independent candidates. Who is that someone? I know they say it’s me. I stand accused of an offence that I have never committed,” said Khama insisting that the whole affair was meant to mock him and reduce him to a meddler.
Khama claimed that his former ally, Masisi alleged at the Tlokweng meeting that he was sponsoring some two BDP politicians who have lost the party’s Bulela Ditswe primaries to contest as independent candidates, or mekoko as they are called in the vernacular.
The two politicians are Tshephang Mabaila, Khama’s blue-eyed boy and another unmentioned candidate in Serowe.
“I left the BDP intact, united and peaceful but, now during the recent party primaries, things started falling apart as the primaries were not conducted properly with many appeals,” he explained, distancing himself from the troubles bedevilling the party today with many independent candidates.
“That is where lies the problem. At all times, the BDP should be bigger than any individual. The BDP is all of us and not an individual.” To him, it is the conduct of Bulela Ditswe primaries that has propelled people to exercise their rights after the party under Masisi denied them a hearing.
“It’s a pity that after taking over from me, Masisi’s government is only giving tenders for various works to the chosen few, which in my view amounts to corruption,” he said stressing that it’s the reason why he supports Venson-Moitoi to correct the situation when she takes over so that Batswana can benefit from State tenders.
He claimed that issuance of tenders across the government and parastatal sectors are the preserve of the chosen few, excluding Batswana to benefit which was totally different during his presidency.
“As Bangwato paramount chief, I reiterate to you that we are not superior to any tribe. I have never said that in my entire life and no State president has ever said it before me,” said Khama, blaming Masisi for raising tribalism sentiments. He described tribalism as very dangerous and appealed to the BDP members across the country to be patient as there was no tribe more important nor superior to others.
“He is driving this country to another Rwanda,” Khama declared worriedly accusing President Masisi of tribalism.
“But, the way our country is run now, it may go the way of Rwanda, Sudan, Somalia and Venezuela if tribalism is not nipped in the bud now before it even raises its ugly head,” he stressed.
“We have never had that experience with the late Sir Seretse Khama and Sir Ketumile Masire, including former president ,Festus Mogae and not at all under my presidency. I wonder how it would suddenly be an issue now.”