The legislator buffer

It began in September with Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Kondwani Nankhumwa accusing Mzuzu Mayor of flying to China without permission. The spat may have simmered down since the Mayor dared the minister: “Nkhopa vilivyose yaye” [I don’t fear what he has said]”. However, it appears there is no love lost. On Monday, the two needed Mzuzu City legislator Leonard Njikho between them when they met in Mzuzu for the first time since the war of words erupted. The dissemination of local government documents began with Nankhumwa and Mayor William Mkandawire sitting next to each other, but the minister said to the audience: “If you are [Njikho], come and sit in front.” As Njikho (C) paced to the high table, an organiser hurried to place his chair between the minister (L) and the mayor (R)—GEORGE SINGINI