A group of retired military generals and senior civil servants has publicly pushed back against comments made by Temba Mliswa, with retired Air Marshal Henry Muchena issuing a firm response defending their position on Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3.
In the statement dated 18 March, Muchena accused Mliswa of making “irresponsible” and “dangerous” comments following the group’s formal submission to Parliament. He emphasized that their engagement was rooted in constitutional processes and national interest, not personal grievances.
“Your recent utterances and video attacking retired senior army Generals and civil servants… are not only irresponsible but they are dangerous,” Muchena said. “We are compelled to respond not in anger, but because you chose to trivialise… a fundamental issue that we raised.”
The former Air Marshal defended the group’s decision to submit their concerns through Parliament, describing it as lawful and procedurally correct. He rejected suggestions that they should have approached the President directly, calling such claims “constitutionally illiterate” and disrespectful.
Muchena also dismissed allegations that their stance was motivated by bitterness or lack of employment. “We served and continue to serve this country.To reduce our principled engagement to bitterness born of unemployment is beneath contempt,” he said.
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The statement further challenged Mliswa to clarify remarks implying that the retired officials were “not clean,” demanding evidence or explanation. “We demand that you explain precisely what you mean by that. We are listening. So is the nation,” Muchena added.
Raising questions about Mliswa’s authority, Muchena asked what mandate he held to speak on the matter. “Are you the Parliament Spokesperson? Are you the Government Spokesperson? Are you the Party Spokesperson?” he queried, asserting that Mliswa had no official standing to address the group in such a manner.
The retired officials also took issue with alleged threats of treason linked to their submission, warning that such statements should not be repeated. “We do not take that lightly, and we advise you not to repeat it ever,” Muchena said.
Reaffirming their historical role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and political mobilization, Muchena insisted that their involvement in national discourse remains legitimate. He cautioned against dismissing their contributions or undermining institutions tied to national stability.
“We wore the uniform with pride, served the flag with honour, Once a soldier, always a soldier,” he said, adding a warning: “When you shake the baobab, be certain you can withstand what falls from it.”
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