- BPF president says Khama will be freed after elections to assume his bogosi role
SESUPO RANTSIMAKO
Former president Ian Khama will be fully involved in the 2014 election campaign of the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) despite his decision to assume his role as Kgosikglo of BaNgwato.
This was revealed by BPF president Mephato Reatile on Tuesday when he addressed a press conference in Gaborone.
Reatile confirmed Khama’s prominent role in the party’s efforts to secure victory in the upcoming 2024 general elections.
Tumultuous applause
“Khama, as you may be aware, is a kgosi and will be set free after the elections,” Reatile stated, clearing the air regarding whether Khama will or will not be on the campaign trail for the BPF.
Addressing the large gathering that had come at the Kgotla in Serowe to welcome him back from his self-imposed exile in South Africa on Saturday, Khama annonced his decision to sit on the throne as Kgosikgolo ya BaNgwato.
“The time has arrived for me to assume my role as a Paramount Chief,” he said to tumultuous applause and ululations. “I will soon start consulting my Royal Uncles about the issue.”
Duties in government
Khama told The Botswana Gazette in a subsequent interview that the decision to assume his role of bogosi was motivated by what he called government attempts to divide BaNgwato.
“It took so long to assume my role as the chief, but most of that time was taken up by my duties in government,” he said, adding that countering his alleged persecution kept him preoccupied after his term as president ended.