By Temwanani Gondwe
Dalitso Kabambe, the United Transformation Movement (UTM) presidential candidate, has once again sparked controversy within his party’s Advisory Council by engaging in alliance talks with other political parties without consulting the Council.
Earlier this year, in January, the Council issued a stern warning to Kabambe, cautioning him against self-sabotage after he accused members of the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP) of corruption.
This accusation was deemed unjustifiable, especially since Kabambe and several UTM officials faced criminal charges themselves.
Over the weekend, Kabambe met with United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi and Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) leader Enock Chihana to discuss forming an electoral alliance ahead of the September 16 tripartite elections.
However, he failed to inform or consult the Advisory Council about these discussions. According to inside sources, the Council was upset to learn about the alliance talks through the media.
This prompted Newton Kambala, the Council’s chairperson, to summon Kabambe for a meeting. Kabambe, however, refused to attend, claiming his actions were in the best interest of the party.
Kambala reminded Kabambe that no one holds a monopoly on wisdom and urged him to heed the Council’s advice. Despite this, Kabambe dismissed the summons, further straining relations within the party.
Sources within the Council expressed shock at Kabambe’s behaviour, with growing suspicions that he might be undermining the party intentionally.
Kabambe has reportedly ignored advice from both the Council and the national executive committee, leading some to question his leadership style.
The Council is now deliberating on how to address multiple concerns regarding Kabambe’s conduct.
Recently, he has altered campaign schedules and whistle-stop tours organised by the party’s campaign team, replacing them with his programme.
Kabambe has justified these changes by citing security concerns and prioritising his safety, but he has refused to consult party officials even on these matters.
Back in January, tensions between Kabambe and the Advisory Council were already high.
The Council, composed mostly of officials who lost during the party’s national elective conference last year, criticised Kabambe for accusing the MCP administration of corruption while many UTM members facing serious criminal charges.
They also disapproved of Kabambe’s public statements, including his unrealistic economic promises, such as maintaining the value of the Malawi kwacha for five years and making it appreciate quickly once in power.
The Council argued that Kabambe’s remarks on corruption and fraud were putting UTM members under scrutiny. Despite their advice, Kabambe dismissed their concerns, accusing some Council members of jealousy and envy.
Political scientist Dennis Mchokero weighed in on the matter, describing Kabambe’s disregard for the Council as dangerous.
“No one can run a political party single-handedly. He needs wise counsel. These are senior members of the party with experience. Kabambe must realise he is a leader, not the owner of the party,” said Mchokero.