Former Finance Minister Tendai Biti has criticized the removal of Energy Mutodi from his post as chair of Parliament's Budget and Finance Committee, calling the decision unconstitutional and politically driven. Mutodi, who represents Bikita South under the ruling Zanu PF, was dismissed on Tuesday after accusing Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga of receiving over $1 billion in kickbacks for processing government payments. Though Mutodi later withdrew the claim, the dismissal has triggered concern among lawmakers and analysts.
Biti argued that the Constitution allows legislators to hold the Executive accountable without fear of retaliation. He said Members of Parliament are protected by parliamentary privilege when speaking in the House. Biti added that Mutodi’s statements should have been debated, not punished. He also stressed that similar financial irregularities have been noted in past Auditor-General reports.
The former minister pointed to Treasury payments made directly to suppliers without involving relevant ministries. He cited 2024 figures showing that $2 billion in such payments were authorized by Guvamatanga. Biti said these practices raise questions that Parliament has a duty to investigate. The dismissal has renewed concerns over the independence of parliamentary oversight and the balance of power between state institutions.
Biti argued that the Constitution allows legislators to hold the Executive accountable without fear of retaliation. He said Members of Parliament are protected by parliamentary privilege when speaking in the House. Biti added that Mutodi’s statements should have been debated, not punished. He also stressed that similar financial irregularities have been noted in past Auditor-General reports.
The former minister pointed to Treasury payments made directly to suppliers without involving relevant ministries. He cited 2024 figures showing that $2 billion in such payments were authorized by Guvamatanga. Biti said these practices raise questions that Parliament has a duty to investigate. The dismissal has renewed concerns over the independence of parliamentary oversight and the balance of power between state institutions.
