JB’s sister denies role in PP-DPP negotiations

Cecilia Kumpukwe, sister to former president and People’s Party founder Joyce Banda, has distanced herself from negotiations between PP and governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on a possible working relationship in Parliament.

Some PP legislators, who met President Peter Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Sunday evening, mentioned that she was acting as a link with the former president, who has lived abroad since losing the May 20 2014 Tripartite Elections, but Kumpukwe has distanced herself from the assertions.

Kumpukwe yesterday said while she is Banda’s only sister living in the country, she has not had any meeting with DPP: “I am not meeting any official from the DPP and I have not taken part in any meetings by PP on the matter.”

She added that she works in the office of the former president, but does not take part in any party affairs.

PP secretary general Ibrahim Matola on Tuesday this week told The Nation there were negotiations for a parliamentary coalition with DPP, but divisions have arisen within the party because DPP has opted to leave out the party but work with members of Parliament.

Kumpukwe is currently on bail following her arrest earlier this year for allegedly authoring a letter purporting the resignation of Vice-President Saulos Chilima. n