This archive report was first published on 9 July 2020.
Published on July 9, 2020, Zimbabwe has requested Kenya's assistance in expelling a former Cabinet Minister, Jonathan Moyo, who fled the country in 2017 following a coup that saw Robert Mugabe ousted from power.
Prosecutors in Zimbabwe have approached their Kenyan counterparts seeking the extradition of Prof Moyo, who was charged with fraud involving over $400,000 in public funds. However, he argues that the case is politically motivated.
According to a top Zanu PF party official, Obert Mpofu, Zimbabwe wants Mr Moyo expelled to prevent him from mobilizing against President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa's government.
"We take note and welcome the prosecutor general's efforts for the extradition of Professor Jonathan Moyo from Kenya as he is the figment of the external demonisation of our leadership and extorting mass uprising in the country," said Mr Mpofu.
However, Zimbabwe and Kenya do not have an extradition treaty, but Harare claims there is a provision for the two countries to facilitate the politician's return to face criminal charges.
Mr Moyo has also claimed that there has been an assassination attempt against him even after he fled to Kenya, but government spokesperson Ndabaningi Mangwana denied these allegations, stating, "Zimbabwe does not assassinate people."
Prof Moyo has a controversial past, both in his home country and Kenya, including a corruption scandal involving about $6 million while he was the programme director in Nairobi for the US-based charity organisation, Ford Foundation.
