By Chisomo Phiri
United Transformation Movement (UTM ) President Dalitso Kabambe has cautioned Malawians against voting Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Peter Mutharika back into office in the September 16 presidential election, arguing that the octogenarian has consistently shown poor performance in managing state affairs.
Speaking during his campaign trail few days ago, Kabambe claimed that the 85-year-old Mutharika failed dismally when he served as Education Minister under the late President Bingu wa Mutharika, particularly during the University of Malawi(UNIMA)’s academic freedom saga.
The UTM leader further reminded supporters that Mutharika was Foreign Affairs Minister when Malawi’s diplomatic relations with Britain soured, leading to then British High Commissioner Cochran Dyet being declared persona non grata.
Kabambe also noted that Mutharika was Justice Minister at a time when the Judiciary faced a prolonged strike, and he added that even during his presidency, Mutharika’s performance fell short, especially when compared to his late brother.
However, DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, writing on his Facebook page, warned Kabambe not to cross the line arguing that the UTM leader was a political lightweight until Mutharika appointed him as Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM ) Governor.
Mutharika and his DPP got booted out of government in a court sanctioned presidential poll in June 2020.
