Chombo, ex-wife to square off in primaries?

By Xolisani Ncube

HARARE – Marian Chombo, estranged wife of Local Government minister, Ignatius Chombo, wants to contest against her ex-husband in Zvimba North Constituency. Marian will likely square off with her ex-hubby in the forthcoming Zanu PF primary elections.

Marian could neither confirm nor deny her intentions when contacted for comment by the Daily News. “I have no comment at the moment, maybe sometime later,” she said. According to well-placed Zanu PF sources in Zvimba North, Marian has declared her intentions.

“This has nothing to do with their divorce, it has nothing to with their failed marriage, but she revealed to us that she is willing to spearhead women and children’s interests in this area,” said a source who declined to be named.

Information gathered from Zvimba reveals that she has started making in-roads and her campaign strategy is well on course. “She knows the needs and aspirations of the people of Zvimba, she has been campaigning for her ex-husband since 2002, she knows everything in that province,” said another source.

If Zanu PF gives her the nod to stand in the primary elections, she will contest against her ex-husband in a fresh battle following an acrimonious break-up that saw her walk away with a hefty divorce settlement.

“It is unfortunate that she will be standing against her ex-husband, the issue is not about their bedroom fights, it is about women representation. We don’t have many women in Parliament, so some people felt it prudent that she takes up the task and represent us in Parliament,” the source said.

Marian will not be the first estranged wife to square off with her ex. In 2005, Tracy Mutinhiri stood against her former husband, Ambrose during Zanu PF’s primary elections in Marondera Constituency.

She, however, lost the poll and later stood on a Zanu PF ticket in 2008 when Marondera was divided into two constituencies. Tracy was last year expelled from Zanu PF on allegations of supporting MDC leader Morgan Tsvangirai. She is now a full member of the MDC. – Daily News