The Member of Parliament for Bobonong Shaw Kgathi has dismissed claims by former President Ian Khama that he snubbed the launch of the Francisco Kgoboko Trust Foundation in Mabolwe, Bobonong on Monday morning. Kgathi who is said to have been invited but decided to shun the event, as the area MP denied ever receiving any invite from his main rival in the primary elections, businessman Francisco Malesela Kgoboko to this publication.
Kgathi who is also Minister of Defence Justice and Security told The Telegraph that “I was not invited. All I know is it was not a Trust launch but a birthday celebration, therefore I was not invited to the birthday bash.”
Kgathi who was at the time of the interview busy with campaign in his constituency area added that “The campaign is going all well, we are on the right mood everything is energised.”
Kgathi is facing a fierce challenge from Kgoboko in the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) primaries.
Indications are that Kgathi is likely to lose his long held constituency, following Khama’s remarks this Monday.
Khama who had graced the event as the guest speaker stole the limelight and went on to launch a scathing attack on Kgathi. He faulted Kgathi for not attending the event saying such conduct was in a way breaking with tradition because expectations are that an MP should attend all the constituency events. Khama added that he has never seen an area MP who disregards invitations of events in his attendance.
“I want someone who will work and deliver for his people, not someone who is hungry for power. It is my first time to attend an event without an MP, you (voters) will have to correct that mistake. He tried to block Dikgosi from coming. He has shown some disrespect not only to them but also to me as a Paramount chief. Go and tell him that the chiefs are well in attendance, even the community at large.”
Khama also revealed to his audience that Kgathi had initially begged him to cancel his scheduled attendance of the launch and he declined.
Asked if he had indeed requested Khama to cancel his scheduled attendance and to comment on his former boss’ onslaught, Kgathi said “I cannot comment on the former President, I respect him as my boss.”
Meanwhile, Kgoboko confirmed inviting both Kgathi and the District commissioner, Mooketsi Lesetedi to the launch.
“I had invited both Kgathi and the District Commissioner, but they decided not to attend. I did not receive any confirmations nor reasons for the non-attendance from either of the two. He is busy with his campaign and not honouring the invites,” said Kgoboko.
