…Gangata, Kambalame shun Chatoloma rally

By Kondwani Banda

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the centre Alfred Gangata and the party’s Regional Government for the centre David Kambalame were conspicuously missing at a rally held at Chatoloma in Kasungu recently, Malawi Focus has learnt.

Sources have told the publication that the two are ‘best friends’ but are on a collision course with the party’s Secretary General Peter Mukhitho over several unspecified matters.

As per DPP’s constitution, the office of the Secretary General is second in command and as such, both the Gangata and Kambalame were billed to automatically attend the rally but were no show, surprisingly.

“We were also shocked to see that the two were absent at the venue and from what I have gathered, the two are not in good books with the SG [Mukhitho] over several issues including that of the running mate,” the source said.

Our source said Mukhitho is clandestinely campaigning for another unnamed aspirant and not Gangata and this has not gone down well with Gangata who feels the SG is betraying him.

Another pious DPP member who is also close to Gangata told us that apart from the Vice President (centre) himself, several other faces could not attend the rally because they were also influenced not to dare show up at the event.

He admitted that there are so many battles which the party is undergoing internally citing the emergence of two factions which are pro-Arthur Peter Mutharika and the other which is against the idea of fielding Mutharika on September 16 as a presidential candidate.

“So apart from such divisions, we are also faced up with another crack where people have now started endorsing running mates and this is the bone of contention and a key issue which Gangata is preoccupied with because he thinks he deserves to pair whosoever presidential candidate come September, and he sees people like Mukhitho as stumbling blocks,” added the source.

The DPP protocol requires that where the Secretary General holds a political rally, the Regional Governor, and the Vice President or their deputies should be in attendance.

Meanwhile, a political analyst Safriano Msampha has said such developments signal the fact that there are serious ‘undercurrents’ within the DPP as a party that Malawians see on the surface.

“DPP is and has never been united as they want Malawians to believe. The party is seriously fragmented and worse still it continues to lack the much-needed leadership that can cushion and guide such divisions,” he said.

During the same rally, Mukhitho made headlines for his gaffes as he erroneously confused the biblical Noah to Jonah.

Noah appears in Genesis 5.29 as the son of Lamech and ninth in the descendants of Adam and was chosen by God to perpetuate the human race after his wicked contemporaries had perished in the floods.

On one hand, the story of Jonah (in the book of Jonah) tells of a prophet who disobeyed God’s command to preach to the city of Nineveh and instead fled in the opposite direction, leading to a miraculous encounter with a great fish. Jonah is said to have spent three days and three nights in the belly of a fish.

…his long time supporter tells him off

…dumps the party

By Faith Simbi

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has been rocked by internal strife following a fiery exchange between its leader, former President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM), and longtime supporter Cathebert Kachale.

Kachale is a Zimbabwe based Malawian commentator who has now publicly withdrawn his support for Mutharika’s leadership.

What started as an online debate quickly escalated into a scathing rebuke of the former President’s rule, with Kachale condemning the party’s violent past and accusing Mutharika of failing to acknowledge or take responsibility for the atrocities committed under his leadership.

Mutharika, on the other hand, flatly denied allegations that DPP had a violent faction, dismissing them as imaginary.

Kachale, who has for years been a fierce critic of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), turned his guns on Mutharika, reminding him of the violent legacy of the so-called Panga Boys, a group of DPP functionaries accused of attacking opposition supporters during his tenure.

“Your father was badly beaten up by the Malawi Young Pioneers and left for dead. You and Bingu suffered exile. The pain you went through is the same pain the relatives of DPP victims endured. Kindly help stop violence by your supporters,” Kachale urged Mutharika.

Mutharika, however, dismissed the claims, insisting that DPP does not have a private army and that the blue-clad youth seen at its rallies are mere entertainers.

“You are wrong because there are no Panga Boys in DPP. You are trying to get MCP off the hook by creating an equivalent imaginary DPP army,” argued Mutharika.

Kachale retaliated, accusing the former President of lying and refusing to acknowledge the violence that marked his rule.

“A lot of people were beaten up, bashed and had their heads hacked with pangas by your party functionaries. Do you remember the family that perished at a filling station in Lilongwe?” Kachale pressed.

Concluding the bitter exchange, Kachale dramatically withdrew his support for Mutharika and DPP, vowing to rally smaller parties to unite against him.

“You have done the country a serious disservice by clinging to DPP leadership by force and by greed. Malawi will be much better off without you and your brutal and selfish leadership. Not again!” declared Kachale.

Political analysts say the public fallout signals deep cracks within the DPP ahead of the 2025 elections.

Dr. Henry Chikumbutso, a governance expert, argues that the exchange reflects a broader discontent among DPP loyalists who feel Mutharika has overstayed his welcome at the helm of the party.

“Kachale’s departure is symptomatic of the internal frustrations within the DPP. There is a growing segment within the party that believes Mutharika is holding it hostage. The fact that a staunch critic of MCP like Kachale has turned against him is very telling,” said Chingaipe.

On his part, political commentator Chrispin Sauzande says Mutharika’s response shows an unwillingness to take responsibility for past political violence, which could further erode his appeal.

“Mutharika had a chance to acknowledge past mistakes and commit to peaceful politics, but instead, he chose denial. This does not bode well for his leadership credibility,” said Sauzande.

He said with party infighting and growing discontent among its key figures, DPP’s internal struggles threaten to weaken its chances in the 2025 elections.

…Malawians bearing the cost of reckless borrowing
…analysts warn against returning thieves to power

By Jonah Phiri

Governance experts have condemned the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime for gross mismanagement and abuse of public resources, particularly in the education and health sectors.

The Centre for Social Concern (CfSC) revealed that billions of kwachas were squandered on non-existent projects, burdening Malawians with an ever-growing debt.

According to CfSC, one of the most blatant abuses was the expenditure of over K53 billion on ghost Teacher Training Colleges (TTCs) between 2009 and 2012.

The Government secured loans from the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID), and the Saudi Fund for Development to construct three TTCs.

However, despite the heavy borrowing, no such institutions were ever built.

“This is a shocking case of financial mismanagement,” said governance expert Joseph Chabwera.

“The country borrowed millions of dollars for projects that never materialised and yet taxpayers are still repaying these loans with accrued interest. This is economic sabotage,” he said

In 2009, the DPP government borrowed US$7 million from BADEA for the TTCs. In 2010, it secured an additional US$11 million from OFID for the same purpose.

The following year, another loan of SAR45 million (approximately US$12 million) was obtained from the Saudi Fund for Development. Despite these repeated financial injections, not a single college was constructed.

This reckless borrowing and mismanagement were not limited to the education sector. The health sector also suffered significantly, with projects such as the Phalombe District Hospital being delayed for over a decade despite repeated budget allocations and loan agreements.

“The Phalombe Hospital project is a classic example of how the DPP government deceived Malawians. Funds were allocated as early as 2005, yet by 2013, nothing had been done. This is a grave injustice to Malawians who were denied essential healthcare,” said political analyst Victor Mphande.

The government had borrowed US$7 million from BADEA in 2010 for the hospital’s construction, yet by 2013, there was no progress.

That same year, Parliament approved another US$12 million loan from the Arab Bank to restart the project, yet delays persisted.

It was not until President Lazarus Chakwera and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) took office in 2020 that the hospital was finally completed and became operational.

Governance observers argue that the mismanagement of loans under the DPP regime is a major reason Malawi is grappling with an unsustainable debt burden.

By February 2013, the country’s external debt stood at US$1.214 billion, an amount that has since ballooned due to interest accumulation and exchange rate fluctuations. Malawians continue to struggle to repay debts that yielded no tangible benefits.

Financial analyst Chifundo Banda described the situation as “a betrayal of public trust.”

“It is one thing to borrow for development, but to borrow and fail to implement projects is outright theft. The impact of these failed projects is still felt today, with limited access to quality education and healthcare,” said Banda.

With Malawians still repaying debts for projects that were never implemented, calls for accountability have grown louder. Experts are urging authorities to investigate those responsible for mismanaging these funds and ensure that such financial recklessness does not repeat itself.

“It is high time the government pursued legal action against those responsible for this economic malpractice. The suffering Malawians endure today is partly due to the reckless borrowing of past regimes. There must be consequences,” said Banda.

“In fact, voting for the same people who recklessly plundered public resources would be suicidal. The DPP must never be allowed near the public purse again because their government was a criminal enterprise,” he said.

As the country continues to struggle under the weight of an inflated national debt, the demand for justice and transparency in public financial management remains paramount.

…Chisale, Mukhito, Chaponda, Chipungu implicated

By Faith Simbi

Impeccable sources within the Malawi Police Service (MPS) have revealed that several top officials from the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) are implicated in the theft of government motor vehicles during their time in power.

The officials named include Norman Chisale, the party’s National Director of Youth and former personal bodyguard to ex-President Arthur Peter Mutharika; Peter Mukhito, the party’s Secretary General and State House Director General and Chimwemwe Chipungu, a former Deputy Minister of Agriculture under the DPP regime.

According to sources, the Anti-Motor Vehicle Theft Unit in Lilongwe is nearing the conclusion of an investigation into this scandal, which would shock the nation.

The investigation has uncovered how state assets, including vehicles, were allegedly converted into personal property by these officials.

One source disclosed details of a stolen vehicle, an Iveco ambulance (TRN No. 4526102144242), which entered Malawi on June 26, 2017. Originally owned by the Office of the President, it was reportedly converted to Chisale’s name and later sold to Simon Salambula, a legislator from the United Transformation Movement.

Another Iveco ambulance (TRN No. 8063250161566), imported on August 15, 2015, was also allegedly stolen by Chisale.

Peter Mukhito, who once served as Chief of Staff at State House, is accused of taking two vehicles: a VX (TRN No. 3618867552236), imported on May 22, 2018, and a bus (TRN No. 2347800056212), imported on April 7, 2016 and originally owned by Malawi Police.

Chimwemwe Chipungu is alleged to have taken a VX (TRN No. 2186421586622), imported on June 19, 2017, and owned by the Ministry of Health. Another VX, reportedly without a number plate but styled “Ana a Dad,” is also linked to Chipungu.

William Susuwela, a DPP legislator representing Zomba Lisanjala Constituency, is accused of taking a VX (TRN No. 6526783329066), imported on November 20, 2017, and owned by the National Aids Commission.

George Chaponda, no stranger to controversy, is implicated in the theft of a vehicle (TRN No. 2256789055611), imported on June 22, 2018 and owned by the Office of the President.

Sources within the MPS described the theft as a blatant abuse of authority and a careless misappropriation of government property.

“The investigations are almost complete. We have conducted thorough interviews, and Malawians will be shocked to learn the extent of this scandal,” said one source.

Emily Mkandawire, a governance and public policy analyst, described the alleged theft as “a shocking display of impunity and institutional failure.”

“This case is a testament to the entrenched culture of political elites treating state resources as personal property. If proven true, it should serve as a wake-up call for law enforcement agencies to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. Failure to do so would only reinforce public perceptions that corruption was institutionalised during the DPP regime,” said Mkandwire

Political analyst Maxwell Chikaphonya said the DPP should never be trusted with public resources again.

“This is the same party that plunged Malawi into economic ruin through corruption, looting, and sheer disregard for governance principles,” said Chikaphonya.

“How can Malawians even consider allowing them anywhere near state power again? They have proven time and again that they see government resources as their inheritance. If justice is to mean anything, these individuals should be prosecuted and the DPP should be held accountable as an institution,” he said.

It is no coincidence that most of the top DPP officials find themselves entangled in criminal cases ranging from corruption to abuse of power.

Their time in government was marked by blatant plunder of public resources, with key figures orchestrating dubious contracts, siphoning funds and manipulating state institutions for personal gain.

What is most ironic is that these same individuals now parade themselves as the country’s saviours, conveniently ignoring the mess they left behind. With unashamed arrogance, they rally their supporters, pretending to be victims of injustice rather than the architects of their downfall.

…uses surrogates to push the Age Limit Bill to bar APM from contesting

…as Navicha puts pressure on him to leave Parley’s opposition leadership to her

By Temwanani Gondwe

Desperate Leader of Opposition in Parliament, George Chaponda, is so fixated on taking over the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) that he is now resorting to extreme measures, even to the point of political assassination, as he uses surrogates to push the Age Limit Bill to Parliament.

Sources said Chaponda looks at this year’s elections as his last opportunity to run for the country’s presidency because of his age and wants Arthur Peter Mutharika, who was endorsed at the party’s convention, to be barred from the contest.

“Chaponda knows that if Mutharika is on the ballot, he stands no chance. So, he is using people within and outside the party to bring the Age Limit Bill to Parliament. His strategy is simply to make it look like the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is behind it so that Mutharika and his supporters blame them instead of realising that their own house is burning,” said a senior DPP official who sought anonymity.

The source said Chaponda is using younger party members and independent legislators to push the bill while maintaining a safe distance himself.

“His people are pushing the narrative that it is in the interest of democracy to have a maximum age for presidential candidates, but the real target is Mutharika,” the source added.

At the same time, Mary Navicha, legislator for Thyolo Thava and DPP National Director of Women, is reportedly unhappy with Chaponda, who had promised to relinquish the Leader of Opposition position in Parliament to her.

However, he has refused to do so, frustrating Navicha and her camp.

“Navicha was assured that Chaponda would step down for her, but he is clinging to the position. She feels used and is now mobilising support against him,” a source close to Navicha revealed.

Another senior DPP member confirmed the infighting, stating that Chaponda’s reluctance to step down is causing deep divisions within the party.

“Navicha’s camp believes that Chaponda cannot be trusted. He is power-hungry and is causing unnecessary conflicts within the party. If he cannot honour his word on a parliamentary position, how can he be trusted with bigger responsibilities?” said the source.

Political analysts say the chaos in DPP is far from over as long as the Mutharika family remains at the helm.

“The main issue in DPP is that leadership has been revolving around the Mutharika family. This has created factions that either want to maintain the status quo or completely dismantle it,” said Mzuzu political analyst Mary Mphande.

Another analyst, Dr. Mohammed Hassan, noted that Chaponda is playing a dangerous game.

“If indeed he is using surrogates to push the Age Limit Bill, it means he is not just fighting within the party but also manipulating national politics for personal gain. This could backfire on him if his schemes are exposed,” said Hassan.

With the 2025 elections fast approaching, the DPP remains a house divided, with factional fights threatening its chances of reclaiming power.

Since the power struggle started in DPP, several heavyweights have left the party including former Vice President for the South Kondwani Nankhumwa who has formed Peoples Development Party (PDP).

…demonstrates kindergarten politics

By Temwanani Gondwe

The United Transformation Movement (UTM) self-imposed president Dalitso Kabambe has once again exposed his political immaturity by making jokes about Malawians’ economic hardships.

During a press conference last year, Kabambe claimed that once elected into office, he would walk to work rather than use a vehicle to save money that could be redirected towards the welfare of Malawians.

At the time, his remarks were met with skepticism, with many questioning whether he understood the gravity of the country’s economic crisis or the enormity of the demands of the office of the State President.

However, in a recent interview on Zodiak Broadcasting Station, Kabambe stunned listeners when he backtracked on his earlier remarks, dismissing them as a mere joke.

His admission has drawn sharp criticism from political and governance analysts, who argue that playing with people’s emotions on such serious issues is nothing short of political suicide.

Political analyst Dr. Henry Chikumbutso described Kabambe’s statements as reckless and insensitive, arguing that a leader who jokes about national issues cannot be trusted.

“How does a politician expect to be taken seriously when he trivialises the suffering of Malawians? This is a man who aspires to lead the nation, yet he thinks economic recovery is something to joke about. Malawians are looking for serious solutions, not kindergarten-level political stunts,” said Chikumbutso.

Governance expert Emily Kapangama was equally scathing in her assessment of Kabambe, branding him as an unprepared leader who lacks the political maturity to steer the country in the right direction.

“Leaders are expected to inspire confidence in the people they seek to govern. Kabambe’s remarks show that he is out of touch with the reality on the ground. Malawians are grappling with the rising cost of living, yet he chooses to turn their plight into a laughing matter. This is not leadership; it is sheer political buffoonery,” said Kapangama.

Social commentator Humphrey Dzimwe added that Kabambe’s gaffe proves that he lacks the depth required for national leadership.

“Politics is not about making foolish jokes. It is about making policy decisions that improve the lives of citizens. Kabambe’s lack of seriousness confirms that he is still a political toddler who has not outgrown the academic world. Malawians cannot afford to entrust the nation to someone who treats their struggles as a source of amusement,” said Dzimwe.

Dzimwe further observed that Kabambe’s political career is already dented by his failure to demonstrate a clear vision for the country.

“Leadership is not about uttering populist statements and later dismissing them as jokes. This inconsistency shows that he has no firm policy direction. He is merely a puppet being paraded as a presidential candidate,” he added.

Kabambe’s latest blunder has also sparked outrage among ordinary Malawians, who feel insulted by his lack of sensitivity.

The uncharismatic UTM leader has since assuming the position tried in vain to fill the shoes left by the founding president the late Saulos Chilima who was loved by many people.

…swindling international organisations under the guise of contesting

By Faith Simbi

Disgruntled former president Joyce Banda has been caught pants down soliciting money from unsuspecting international organisations for enriching herself under the guise of contesting the September 16 presidential elections, Malawi Focus can reveal.

Multiple sources close to Banda have disclosed that the former leader has been reaching out to various international donors and organisations, claiming she needs financial support for her alleged presidential campaign.

However, evidence has emerged suggesting that she has no real intention of contesting but is instead using the funds for personal gain.

“She has been making contacts with international groups, painting a picture that she is a serious contender in the upcoming elections, yet there is no tangible campaign structure in place,” said a senior official from Banda’s inner circle who requested anonymity.

“It is clear that this is just another cash grabbing scheme,” said the source.

A good governance expert, Dr. Tenson Phiri, condemned Banda’s actions, stating that such conduct undermines the credibility of Malawian politics and erodes trust in international partnerships.

“If these allegations are true, then this is a serious breach of ethical leadership,” said Phiri.

“Using a false campaign as a tool to defraud organisations is not only morally wrong but also paints a very bad picture of Malawi’s political integrity. It discourages well meaning donors from supporting genuine candidates and initiatives,” he added.

Banda, who has been largely absent from active politics since her failed comeback attempt in 2019, has been known for her opportunistic tendencies.

Political analyst Mary Kachere noted that this latest scheme is consistent with her history of political survival tactics.

“Joyce Banda has always positioned herself as a political opportunist who thrives on manipulating situations for personal benefit. From cashgate to self-imposed exile, and now this latest scandal, it is clear that she is more interested in financial gains than the welfare of Malawians,” observed Kachere.

Sources close to international donors say some organisations have started questioning Banda’s credibility.

One international aid official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said they received funding requests from Banda’s representatives but were hesitant to commit due to her past controversies.

“We have received multiple requests, but we have been very cautious. We are aware of the past allegations surrounding her tenure in office and the financial mismanagement scandals that rocked her administration. Some of our partners have already distanced themselves from her,” the official said.

Meanwhile, Banda’s People’s Party (PP) has remained tight-lipped on the matter and efforts to get a comment from PP spokesperson Ackson Kalaile Banda proved futile, as his phone went unanswered.

Political analysts believe this scandal could mark the final nail in the coffin for Banda’s already dwindling political relevance.

“She has run out of political capital. No one takes her seriously anymore and if she thought she could fool international donors to fund her lavish lifestyle, she has miscalculated,” said Kachere.

Malawi Focus will continue to investigate and bring updates as more details emerge.