"I remain Domkrag" - DK

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Friday June 4, 2010 00:00

 

DK was not wearing BDP colours when he was photographed shaking hands with Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD) members but yesterday he said his presence at the BMD press conference  should not be seen as show of support to the splinter party, which is currently rattling the  BDP. 'I do not think I have to say much since I have already issued a statement regarding my political home. The press conference was open to any member of the public and I went there to see what was happening after learning that the BDP committee at the University of Botswana was holding a press conference; I saw nothing wrong with greeting them,' Kwelagobe said.

The BDP chairman's controversial appearance at the BMD press conference came shortly after he issued a press statement intended to clear the mist regarding where he stands amidst speculations that it is a matter of time before the man popularly known as DK also defects to the BMD. In the statement DK said: 'I am not the captain who jumps ship when the storms rock it, but the captain who will steer his ship, the BDP, to safety ensuring that all those on board are safe and secure'.

The statement was viewed as a rare show of unity with the party rocked by mass exodus to newly formed splinter party, the BMD, until DK was photographed celebrating with the BMD members.Kwelagobe maintains that he was misinterpreted and misrepresented by some observers, and  urged BDP followers to remain firm, assuring them that' we shall come out of this current situation stronger and with resolve to deliver to Batswana on our promises'.

Rumours making rounds that DK is destined to become the leader of the splinter party, which two of his children have  already joined. Speculation is it that DK would announce his move at the launch of the BMD on May 29. A BDP activist, Mokhandla Mazabathi's, interview with a local weekly did not help as the activist was quoted saying DK's heart is with BMD, while his body is with Domkgrag.

DK also fuelled more rumours when he did not appear in President Khama's damage control rallies in Francistown and Gaborone before yet again missing a rally held at Old Naledi on the eve of the party national council. On Sunday, DK will be missing yet again at another star rally in Maun to be addressed by President Khama. When he surfaced at the national council, DK blasted President Khama's style of leadership accusing him of bias and selective discipline though he also used the platform to emphasise his passion for the BDP. His detractors interpreted his speech at the national council held at Letlhabile School as a show of defiance although others read it as calling for the spirit of tolerance promotion and nurturing of inner -party democracy.

'DK' also said it had come to his attention that that certain people had been holding meetings, writing in the papers and even speaking on radios that DK was a confused man and that very soon he would be leaving the BDP. 'I wish to state once more - for the record as I have done several times - that am a member of the BDP, and not only a member but the chairman of the BDP. 'I wish to state further, as I did at the national council and before then that I am not leaving the BDP for any political party. Furthermore I have recently briefed my constituents and they are behind me and equally remain unshaken in their love for the BDP,' says DK. The BDP strongman also called upon those who use   his name for their political gain to stop forthwith.

Shoshong MP, Philip Makgalemele, has refuted rumours that he had defected to the newly launched BMD, although he admitted he had been approached by the party now chaired by Gomolemo Motswaledi, the former BDP secretary- general Khama expelled from the party for seven years after he challenged his BDP constitutional powers at the High Court and Court of Appeal last year.  'I remain a BDP Member of Parliament, those are just rumours... I have been approached - just as they approach many people - but I remain BDP,' Makgalemele told Mmegi in an interview.