Peter Mutharika accused of tribalism
Some Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) members have accused their president, Peter Mutharika, of favouritism and failure to appreciate dedicated members.
In a letter addressed to Mutharika, copied to party secretary general Jean Kalirani, the members want Mutharika to change his approach and consult more on issues.
“Of late, we have seen new-comers in our party being given all sorts of responsibilities and this indeed has affected our morale, a case in point is the way the issue of running mate was handled. Party veterans and longtime members were never consulted or even included in the list to be considered for the position of running mate,” reads the letter in part signed by Boston Chiwaula and Eneless Mwalimba.
The letter further claims that Mutharika has created an inner circle which is managing the party at all levels.
“For example, the office of the treasurer general has become very redundant since all payments are being made by your personal assistant Mr Ben Phiri and your outgoing secretary Mr Chimwemwe Chipungu. ” reads the letter.
Mutharika picked former Airtel Malawi managing director Saulos Chilima as his running mate. Chilima has no position in the hierarchy.
But DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi trashed the member’s claims, wondering on whose behalf they were speaking.
“Who are these people? Are they really our members, because if they were, they would know that we are happy and that Professor Peter Mutharika is one of the most consulting people I have ever met. These people are spreading what we call cheap propaganda and have no basis for their claims. Thank you,” he said.
