Msaka, DPP leaders visit Mutharika

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-president (East) Bright Msaka on Wednesday led the party’s top leaders to former president Peter Mutharika’s residence at Namiyasi in Mangochi to welcome him to private life.

Mutharika, who is also DPP president, is in the lakeshore district of Mangochi where he said he would lead a private life after losing the June 23 2020 fresh presidential election to Tonse Alliance leader Lazarus Chakwera.

Speaking in an interview after spending about two hours with Mutharika in a meeting held in camera as journalists waited outside, Msaka said Mutharika looked jovial and relaxed which shows he is embracing life outside the State House.

He said: “It is a custom within our communities to receive a visitor whenever he/she has joined people. As you can see, our president has joined us; hence, we decided to come here and welcome him and his family.

“I am happy to find the president and the former first lady Gertrude Mutharika in a jovial and relaxed mood. We have cracked jokes, chatted and discussed pertinent issues regarding our party, among other issues without noticing sad moments from him and his wife.”

Commenting on the party’s strength after losing the election, Msaka said DPP will come back stronger.

“The loss has energised the party to be more resolute and start rebuilding itself for the next election. I am telling you people are angry with the loss and they are gearing to reclaim the lost glory come rain or sunshine,” he said.

Msaka also said the party leaders at central level will soon meet to make replacement of the position of Eastern regional governor, Julius Paipi who has joined UTM Party.

Apart from Msaka, other party leaders who visited Mutharika were director of women (East) Eluby Kandewu, Mangochi District governor Salire Mdala, deputy secretary general Charles Jika and Mangochi Central legislator Victoria Kingstone.

Kingston said the visit was welcome Mutharika and assure him “of their support and presence at all times”.