Kgathi denies joining New Jerusalem faction

 

Minister of Justice, Defence and Security and Member of Parliament for Bobirwa, Shaw Kgathi has vehemently refuted allegations of shifting allegiance to New Jerusalem camp.

New Jerusalem is associated with Member of Parliament for Serowe West, Dr. Pelonomi Venson – Moitoi who is challenging Dr. Masisi for the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) presidency. Kgathi is the current Deputy Secretary General of the BDP and has been a Member of Parliament for Bobirwa constituency for many years, but his term is coming to an end in October, as he lost the Bulela Ditswe primary elections to political rookie Francisco Kgoboko.

Kgathi’s loss was partially attributed to being de-campaigned by former president Dr. Ian Khama at the launch of Kgoboko’s Trust few days before the Bulela Ditswe election. He successfully appealed but lost with an even bigger margin during the re-run. Now, new allegations have surfaced that his allegiance has shifted from Masisi to New Jerusalem. He did not take kindly to the allegations. “I have noted with regret a social media posting merely meant to fuel division within the BDP and promote propaganda. I am a man of integrity and value”.

He said the allegations demonstrated the frustration and desperation of some characters who wish to promote division within the BDP. “I am not in the habit of double dipping so to speak in my pledge for political support to leadership. That shows political immaturity.

“I have accepted the Bobirwa BDP primary election results notwithstanding the obvious challenges and irregularities therein. Life has to go on,” he said. According to him the BDP is bigger than any individual and that the outcome of any political contest should not define the character of any individual.