Zimbabwe's traditional chiefs abandon Mugabe, join calls for his retirement

- Zimbabwe's traditional leaders weigh in on the ongoing political turmoil

- Interestingly, the traditional chiefs had endorsed Mugabe for another term

- They now want the 93-year-old president to leave office and pave way for a new leader

Zimbabwe's traditional chiefs have joined growing calls for President Robert Mugabe to leave office and pave way for a new leader.

According to local news outlets, the traditional leaders had actually endorsed the 93-year-old Zanu-PF party leader for a fresh mandate, but it seems they have changed their position and some of them are even celebrating the military for their intervention.

"We appreciate our defense forces for intervening to stop an economic, social and political crisis in our country," says Chief Ephias Murinye, Zimbabwe's Council of Chiefs representative as quoted by Pindula News.

Mugabe meeting Zimbabwe's traditional chiefs.Photo:Pindula News.

The traditional chiefs now believe that Mugabe's retirement will enable them to discharge their duties without any fear or intimidation from the politicians.

"It is our hope that once he is gone, our economy will take shape. Politicians have been interfering with our work long enough," says Chief Murinye.

Mugabe and traditional chiefs. Photo:Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP

Meanwhile, Mugabe is expected to meet the army chief today to decide on his fate and bring to an end the ongoing political stalemate in the country.

Tuko HOT episode 10 - Uhuru Kenyatta and Raila Odinga, Jalang'o is in a big scandal - On Tuko TV