Bishop Kevin Nyamakanga joins Zanu-PF in surprise defection

Bishop Kevin Nyamakanga

By Staff Reporter — Harare, Zimbabwe

Bishop Kevin Nyamakanga, leader of the Zimbabwe Intercessors Movement and a prominent organiser of last year’s protests against Zimbabwe hosting the SADC Summit, has formally joined the ruling Zanu‑PF party, announcing his defection at a press conference in Harare, Zimbabwe alongside his wife, Sandra.

“I am joining Zanu‑PF after witnessing the significant development initiatives undertaken by the Government,” Nyamakanga said. “Remaining in the opposition without contributing to progress seems unproductive. My wish is to have a one‑party state to ensure meaningful development in the country.” His remarks were met with public welcome from party officials who framed the move as evidence of Zanu‑PF’s broadening appeal.

Party leaders welcome defection and promise integration in Harare structures

Harare provincial chairman Godwills Masimirembwa welcomed the bishop’s decision, urging Nyamakanga to bring his followers into the party fold. “Harare was once a stronghold for the opposition, but we say, ‘Welcome home. Zanu‑PF is a place for everyone,’” Masimirembwa said at the provincial offices in Harare.

Zanu‑PF Youth League Deputy Political Commissar Taurai Kandishaya attributed the defection to the perceived successes of the Second Republic under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, saying the party was attracting members from opposition ranks. “We are happy that the opposition is seeing the light. They are joining Zanu‑PF in their numbers,” Kandishaya said.

Harare provincial Political Commissar Voyage Dambuza stressed the need to formalise new memberships. “We are going to make a follow‑up to ensure that those new members are registered in their respective cell structures. This is how we grow as a party. We embrace everyone,” he said, outlining plans to integrate defectors into local party units across Harare.

Broader trend of defections and outreach to diverse groups

Political analysts say Nyamakanga’s move fits a wider pattern of opposition figures crossing to the ruling party. However, some observers caution that defections do not always translate into mass shifts in voter allegiance. On the same day, Zanu‑PF’s Harare provincial offices also welcomed a group of former footballers and coaches who publicly joined the party, a development that party officials highlighted as evidence of Zanu‑PF’s appeal to diverse segments of society.

The bishop’s defection is likely to be discussed in both political and religious circles in Harare and beyond, given his profile as a faith leader and organiser of high‑profile protests. Zanu‑PF officials said they would follow up with community outreach and membership drives to consolidate recent gains.