Mugabe admits falling several times
By Brown Moyo
HARARE – President Robert Mugabe has revealed that he has fallen several times in his house and that the airport mishap was just another minor incident.
Speaking to the state media in his birthday interview dubbed “Reflections at 91,” Mugabe said the airport fall was not surprising since falling occurs on several occasions.
“It was just a slight fall, just missing the step,” he said. “I have fallen many times in the house, you have a carpet that is misplaced or you hit against something, the corner of a table and you tumble. Haven’t you fallen yourself,” Mugabe said.
However soon after the famous fall, Zimbabweans appeared agreed that more than anything else Mugabe’s dramatic fall at the Harare International Airport showed it is high time Africa’s oldest leader calls it quits and hands over power to the next generation of leaders.
Mugabe, who turned 91 last week, has been at the helm of Zanu PF since 1977 and has ruled the country since Independence in 1980, but lately has been battling to keep his faction-riddled party together as the battle to eventually succeed him rages on.
Mugabe is also alleged to be battling prostate cancer and eye problems and is widely seen as no longer fit to govern with close government officials and aides saying old age and health problems are taking a heavy toll on him.
Mugabe made headlines for tumbling while getting off from a podium after addressing ministers, security service chiefs and Zanu PF supporters upon his arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he had taken over the rotational African Union (AU) chairmanship.
Government officials and aides close to Mugabe say they have closely observed in recent years that the president has been fast deteriorating in terms of physical stature, mental alertness and health.
In the interview Mugabe challenged anyone who had not fallen at one time or another to stand up.
“I would like to see a person who has not fallen down because they don’t live in this world. So, I don’t see the reason why anyone should be surprised that the president has fallen,” he said.
