Body of Christ leader accused of buying luxury Volvo with party funds
Body of Christ Party (BCP) president Festus Thomas is facing a revolt from senior party members who allege he used taxpayer-funded political allocations to purchase a luxury Volvo for personal use.
Meanwhile, the party continues to operate from a container at his home in Ondangwa, insiders said.
The allegations form part of a wider internal dispute, with some leaders accusing Thomas of running the party “like a cuca shop” and turning it into a “family project” after state funding began flowing into its account.
BCP received over N$300 000 in its first quarterly payment following the 2024 general elections, in which it secured one National Assembly seat – occupied by Thomas.
Party allegations against Thomas
Secretary-general Beata Hosea said the executive had agreed on plans to use the funds to develop the party, including establishing a formal office. However, she claims Thomas diverted some of the money for personal benefit.
“We planned how we will use the money, but as soon as the money reflected in the party’s account, he started creating internal conflicts so that he can benefit from the money,” Hosea alleged in an interview with Namibian Sun.
“This person gets a salary every month from parliament, yet he is using the party’s money to finance his things," she added.
Hosea alleges Thomas not only purchased the Volvo without executive approval but continues to receive additional party funds for subsistence and travel despite being entitled to parliamentary allowances.
Executives push for Thomas to step down
Hosea and other leaders have compiled a petition calling for Thomas to resign, accusing him of violating both the BCP constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act that bar public party funds from directly or indirectly benefiting an MP.
“You undermined this and went on to purchase yourself a car with the party funds, without consulting the executive committee,” the petition states. It also claims Thomas claimed an annual N$20 000 travel allowance from party coffers.
According to insiders, his wife is also allegedly a signatory to the party’s bank account, which critics say centralises financial control within their household.
The petition further accuses Thomas of threatening members who question his decisions and illegally suspending key structures, such as the national mass mobilisation office and the youth wing, without due process.
“It seems the committees in our constitution are just there to blind people, but in reality they are not functional,” the petition states.
Thomas has dismissed these allegations as untrue rumours.
Contacted for comment, Thomas said: “You can go ahead and write what you want. I am busy with campaigns,” he told this publication before ending the call.
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Meanwhile, the party continues to operate from a container at his home in Ondangwa, insiders said.
The allegations form part of a wider internal dispute, with some leaders accusing Thomas of running the party “like a cuca shop” and turning it into a “family project” after state funding began flowing into its account.
BCP received over N$300 000 in its first quarterly payment following the 2024 general elections, in which it secured one National Assembly seat – occupied by Thomas.
Party allegations against Thomas
Secretary-general Beata Hosea said the executive had agreed on plans to use the funds to develop the party, including establishing a formal office. However, she claims Thomas diverted some of the money for personal benefit.
“We planned how we will use the money, but as soon as the money reflected in the party’s account, he started creating internal conflicts so that he can benefit from the money,” Hosea alleged in an interview with Namibian Sun.
“This person gets a salary every month from parliament, yet he is using the party’s money to finance his things," she added.
Hosea alleges Thomas not only purchased the Volvo without executive approval but continues to receive additional party funds for subsistence and travel despite being entitled to parliamentary allowances.
Executives push for Thomas to step down
Hosea and other leaders have compiled a petition calling for Thomas to resign, accusing him of violating both the BCP constitution and provisions of the Electoral Act that bar public party funds from directly or indirectly benefiting an MP.
“You undermined this and went on to purchase yourself a car with the party funds, without consulting the executive committee,” the petition states. It also claims Thomas claimed an annual N$20 000 travel allowance from party coffers.
According to insiders, his wife is also allegedly a signatory to the party’s bank account, which critics say centralises financial control within their household.
The petition further accuses Thomas of threatening members who question his decisions and illegally suspending key structures, such as the national mass mobilisation office and the youth wing, without due process.
“It seems the committees in our constitution are just there to blind people, but in reality they are not functional,” the petition states.
Thomas has dismissed these allegations as untrue rumours.
Contacted for comment, Thomas said: “You can go ahead and write what you want. I am busy with campaigns,” he told this publication before ending the call.
#namibiadecides2025
[email protected]
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