Tinotenda Hove – Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s sudden surge in visibility across the country has sparked concern and speculation about the growing influence of unelected powerbrokers within Zanu PF. The controversial businessman, long associated with shadowy deals and state capture allegations, has recently made conspicuous appearances in Masvingo, NUST in Bulawayo, the ZCC church conference, and most recently, Epworth.

What’s driving this PR offensive?

While Tagwirei is best known for his business empire – built largely on opaque government contracts in fuel, mining, and agriculture – his current roadshow appears anything but commercial. Observers say it reeks of political choreography. “He’s not campaigning for office, but clearly positioning himself as a kingmaker behind the scenes,” a political analyst who requested anonymity noted.

At every stop, Tagwirei has stuck to familiar territory: money. Whether addressing church gatherings, university forums or rural constituencies, he speaks almost exclusively about figures – investments, funding, economic models. But critics argue that his speeches are less about economics and more about consolidating influence.

“It’s no secret he bankrolls key Zanu PF projects. Now he’s trying to rebrand himself from oligarch to saviour,” said a youth leader from Masvingo who attended one of the meetings. “But the people know who benefits most when he’s involved.”

Inside Zanu PF, there is growing unease. Some insiders fear that Tagwirei’s increased visibility is a symptom of a deeper problem: a party increasingly beholden to private capital and rent-seeking elites. “This is not about the people; it’s about preserving networks of power,” said a veteran party member. “We fought for independence, not for the state to be captured by businessmen who operate above scrutiny.”

Tagwirei has never held public office, yet he moves with the ease of someone who knows doors will open wherever he goes. His ability to align himself with religious institutions like the ZCC, educational bodies like NUST, and poor communities in Epworth is viewed by some as an attempt to launder his image through associations with institutions that enjoy public trust.

But the question remains: why now?

His whirlwind tours come at a time when Zanu PF is battling internal divisions and succession talk is heating up. The optics of a billionaire with access to state machinery and grassroots platforms raise uncomfortable questions about the health of Zimbabwe’s democracy.

As Tagwirei continues to crisscross the country, preaching economics while avoiding political labels, many are asking not what he wants – but who he’s working with, and to what end.