By Wadza Botomani
In a fiery campaign rally, UTM Presidential Candidate Dalitso Kabambe launched a scathing attack on former Malawi leader Peter Mutharika, branding him a “chronic failure” whose incompetence spanned multiple government roles before culminating in a disastrous presidency. Kabambe’s remarks drew direct connections between Mutharika’s ministerial failures and the country’s subsequent crises, painting a picture of consistent inadequacy.
Kabambe reminded supporters that during his brother Bingu wa Mutharika’s administration, Peter Mutharika served as Education Minister and presided over a period of significant unrest, including widespread academic freedom protests that paralyzed campuses and revealed his inability to manage critical institutions . His tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister proved even more damaging, as he failed to prevent a catastrophic diplomatic rupture with Britain, resulting in the expulsion of the UK’s High Commissioner and a severe aid cutoff that crippled the nation’s economy .
As Justice Minister, Mutharika’s leadership was again called into question when judicial strikes erupted, undermining the rule of law and exposing his poor rapport with key institutions . Kabambe saved his strongest criticism for Mutharika’s presidential term, accusing him of overseeing “corruption at a high scale,” including the infamous “Tippex Election” scandal where vote-rigging allegations tainted his 2019 electoral victory . He also referenced the ongoing “Cement Gate” case, where Mutharika faces allegations of corruption, though a related application for a trial pause was recently granted .
Kabambe, currently campaigning on an agricultural investment platform, pledged to cleanse the country of what he described as Mutharika’s legacy of failure and impunity . The sharp critique signals a fierce battle ahead as Malawi’s political factions gear up for a contentious election cycle.
