HARARE – Harare North MP Allan Norman Markham stormed out of parliament on Wednesday after accusing Zanu PF MP Joseph Chinotimba of racism.

Chinotimba raised Markham’s skin colour while heckling the CCC MP during a debate on Statutory Instrument 144/22, which sets nomination fees for candidates seeking to run for president and parliament.

Pointing his finger at the opposition benches, Chinotimba blurted: “Munoda kutora Markham who is white muchisiya Biti who is a black man? (You want to put forward Markham who is white leaving Biti who is a black man?)”

Chinotimba was making reference to a bruising battle between Markham and ex-finance minister Tendai Biti to secure the CCC nomination in Harare East, this after Markham’s Harare North was collapsed during delimitation, with a large section consumed by Harare East where Biti is the incumbent MP.

CCC leader allegedly prefers Markham over Biti. Biti was recently criticised for also invoking Markham’s race during an address in the constituency, referring to him as “munhu asina mabvi” (a person without knees). The phrase was used by locals when white colonialists arrived wearing trousers, concealing their knees.

Markham protested that he considered Chinotimba’s statement “totally racial” as he accused the acting Speaker William Mtomba of showing “no intention of calling the man to order.”

“In this inflammatory position that we are in now, it is quite clear to me that there is no reconciliation from the Hon. Member and the party he represents. Unfortunately, he is not the first to refer to me because of my colour. I was given my skin by my parents. It is not that I selected it. One can almost say God or whoever your God is gave it to you. I am sick and tired of being referred to as white,” Markham protested.

“In the constitution, it states categorically that you cannot separate us by religion, sex, gender, you name it and yet you tolerate that, Mr. Speaker.  I would like to announce to this House that I am absolutely disgusted by the racism that comes from that side and is also endemic in my own. I take leave of this House. Good afternoon.”

Markham immediately walked out, and Chinotimba also left shortly after.

Mtomba told MPs that he had been distracted and had not heard Chinotimba’s remarks.

“I will have to ask Hon. Chinotimba to withdraw the statement that he has actually said to Hon. Markham the moment he comes into the House,” Mtomba said.