Mohale FM PEKA legislator, Mohopoli “Hippo” Monokoane, left the ruling Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) over what he describes as poor leadership and “sustained persecution” by the party’s executives, a move he said had further deepened divisions within Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s party.
Mr Monokoane crossed the floor on Monday alongside Matala MP, Dr Tšeliso Moroke, to join Professor Nqosa Mahao’s Basotho Action Party (BAP), reducing the RFP’s parliamentary representation to 56 seats. The defections come barely a week after Abia MP Thuso Makhalanyane dumped the RFP for the Democratic Congress (DC), highlighting growing instability within the once celebrated ruling party
Despite the losses, Mr Matekane’s administration — comprising the Movement for Economic Change (MEC), the Alliance of Democrats (AD) and the Lesotho Congress for Democracy (LCD) among other partners — still commands more than 70 seats in Parliament, comfortably above the 61-seat simple majority required to pass decisions.
The Leribe tycoon, who owns Hippo Transport, further alleged that Mr Matekane targets MPs he dislikes, claiming that one MP had been “resourced” by the RFP to campaign against him in Peka constituency.
RFP deputy spokesperson, Thabo Maretlane, defended the party, dismissing allegations of poor leadership.
He also denied allegations of corruption against RFP ministers, saying the Prime Minister had challenged anyone with evidence to present it to the police or to his office
