Kabi begs Lehora to return ‘home’

MASERU – KABELO Lehora, the former principal secretary of the National Security Service, could be heading back to the All Basotho Convention (ABC).

This, after ABC leader Nkaku Kabi called on Lehora to return to the party he left to join the Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) soon after the election last year.

Lehora said he was leaving the ABC because of the incessant infighting that led to its crushing defeat in the election.

Addressing a rally in Qeme on Sunday, Kabi specifically called on Lehora to come back, saying even if there were factional fights they should bury the hatchet and work to bring the party back to its former glory.

Kabi said Lehora, who now leads the National University of Lesotho (NUL)’s Student Representative Council, used to contribute significantly to the party. He said they want Lehora to recruit NUL students to join the ABC.

“Lehora, we need you to recruit those students to the ABC,” Kabi said.

Lehora said it was an honour to be mentioned by the party leader as it “shows that they saw potential in me while I was still with them”.

He however said he needs time to consult his family, comrades and friends before deciding the next step.

“I cannot decide instantly, I need time to think about it,” he said, adding that he also wants to assess if he is adding value to the RFP before he makes a decision.

Kabi also called on other members who had left the party to return.

In addition to Lehora, he mentioned Sebili Sebili, the former ABC crooner who defected to the RFP shortly before the election.

“We need Sebili to come back home with his apostolic voice,” Kabi said.

Sebili was the ABC’s prince of party songs and one of the main attractions at the party’s rallies. He is now entertaining RFP supporters with his music.

Kabi said the ABC’s factions could make peace and revive the party.

He gave the example of his reconciliation with Mohapi Mohapinyane, the former Rothe MP, with whom he had a fistfight at the height of the factional fights in the party.

Kabi said Mohapinyane deliberately tripped him and he fell after he told the Moeketsi Majoro-led government to follow Thomas Thabane’s directives.

At the time the ABC was split between two factions led by Majoro and Thabane. Majoro’s faction controlled the government while Thabane controlled the party.

Kabi said Mohapinyane then sat on his chest and he retaliated by grabbing his neck.

“I only let loose my grip on his neck when I felt that he was having difficulty breathing,” he said.

He said despite that incident he has made peace with Mohapinyane.

“To all those who left this party due to some anger, please come back,” he said.

Nkheli Liphoto