RDP files criminal charges against Kavekotora, Shekupakela
The Rally for Democracy and Progress (RDP) has filed criminal charges against former parliamentarian Mike Kavekotora and parliamentarian Kennedy Shekupakela, alleging “the false representation of RDP with intent to commit fraud”.
RDP president Kandy Nehova made these remarks during a press briefing at the party's head office in Windhoek late last week.
He said they believe the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) also played a role in the matter by reportedly accepting an election list from Kavekotora “which falsely declared him as the legal party representative when the party had already suspended him in January 2020”.
“Kavekotora and Shekupakela, who took over the parliament seat after the former’s resignation, were expelled from the party and were declared ex-communicators. They are in it for the money. If they are truly the party’s leaders as they claim, when last did you hear [of] them hold[ing] campaigns, let alone anything for the party?” he wanted to know.
ECN ‘has no right’
He further criticised ECN, indicating that its installation of “these unauthorised party representatives into parliament is unprecedented".
"ECN has no right to be involved in our internal affairs. This blatantly disregards the party’s constitution and the rule of law principles. We will have them [ECN] investigated as well."
Meanwhile, RDP’s secretary of legal and constitutional affairs Amanda Titus said the party has been trying to resolve the matter [with Kavekotora and Shekupakela] amicably since 2019, without any resolution.
She added that the party’s legitimate leadership, along with the central committee, is headed by Nehova, who was elected in October 2019 at Otjiwarongo. However, RDP's leadership has been unable to access funds from parliament, which resulted in ‘political damage’ to the party. “As of June 2019, we have had the misfortune to witness the party’s funds illegally used on events and activities not sanctioned in terms of RDP’s constitution and its leading organ,” Titus said.
‘Political grave’
When approached for comment, Kavekotora dismissed the allegations as baseless and accused Nehova of trying to revive his political career.
“Kandy will not and cannot rise from his political grave that he created himself. He competed against me for the RDP presidential position and lost hopelessly. He gained 130 votes against [my] 241 votes. He went on to challenge the matter in court and lost several times.”
He added that he is concerned the allegations might confuse the electorate and misinform the public. “Our secretary for information, [Nghiningiluandubo] Kashume, will address the public in due course about these nonsensical court challenges. Nehova and Amanda Titus, who has never been a part of RDP leadership, have no mandate to speak on behalf of the party.”
ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka did not respond to questions sent to him, while attempts to reach Shekupakela proved futile.
RDP president Kandy Nehova made these remarks during a press briefing at the party's head office in Windhoek late last week.
He said they believe the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) also played a role in the matter by reportedly accepting an election list from Kavekotora “which falsely declared him as the legal party representative when the party had already suspended him in January 2020”.
“Kavekotora and Shekupakela, who took over the parliament seat after the former’s resignation, were expelled from the party and were declared ex-communicators. They are in it for the money. If they are truly the party’s leaders as they claim, when last did you hear [of] them hold[ing] campaigns, let alone anything for the party?” he wanted to know.
ECN ‘has no right’
He further criticised ECN, indicating that its installation of “these unauthorised party representatives into parliament is unprecedented".
"ECN has no right to be involved in our internal affairs. This blatantly disregards the party’s constitution and the rule of law principles. We will have them [ECN] investigated as well."
Meanwhile, RDP’s secretary of legal and constitutional affairs Amanda Titus said the party has been trying to resolve the matter [with Kavekotora and Shekupakela] amicably since 2019, without any resolution.
She added that the party’s legitimate leadership, along with the central committee, is headed by Nehova, who was elected in October 2019 at Otjiwarongo. However, RDP's leadership has been unable to access funds from parliament, which resulted in ‘political damage’ to the party. “As of June 2019, we have had the misfortune to witness the party’s funds illegally used on events and activities not sanctioned in terms of RDP’s constitution and its leading organ,” Titus said.
‘Political grave’
When approached for comment, Kavekotora dismissed the allegations as baseless and accused Nehova of trying to revive his political career.
“Kandy will not and cannot rise from his political grave that he created himself. He competed against me for the RDP presidential position and lost hopelessly. He gained 130 votes against [my] 241 votes. He went on to challenge the matter in court and lost several times.”
He added that he is concerned the allegations might confuse the electorate and misinform the public. “Our secretary for information, [Nghiningiluandubo] Kashume, will address the public in due course about these nonsensical court challenges. Nehova and Amanda Titus, who has never been a part of RDP leadership, have no mandate to speak on behalf of the party.”
ECN spokesperson De Wet Siluka did not respond to questions sent to him, while attempts to reach Shekupakela proved futile.
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