By Burnett Munthali
On April 30, 2025, Hon. Peter Mukhito, an aspiring Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre Constituency, made a notable and strategic appearance at the Chatata Community-Based Organization (CBO) offices.
The event marked an important milestone in his campaign as he met face-to-face with over 30 local chiefs from the area.
This interaction was more than a political courtesy call—it was a deliberate effort to connect with traditional leaders and hear firsthand the pressing issues facing their communities.
The chiefs, who are key custodians of culture and grassroots governance, welcomed Hon. Mukhito with open arms, appreciating his willingness to engage them directly.
The meeting was conducted under the esteemed leadership of Sub-Traditional Authority (Sub-T/A) Chatata, who presided over the gathering with dignity and traditional authority.
During his remarks, Hon. Mukhito emphasized that true development can only flourish when leaders prioritize the needs and aspirations of the people.
He stated that it is not enough for leaders to make promises—they must act in alignment with the will of the people they serve.
He pledged to restore integrity, accessibility, and meaningful representation to the office of Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Centre.
Hon. Mukhito did not shy away from addressing the failures of the current political leadership in the constituency.
He pointed out that the incumbent Member of Parliament had effectively abandoned the constituency.
He highlighted that the incumbent had pursued personal political ambitions elsewhere, leaving behind a trail of unfulfilled promises and frustrated constituents.
This, Hon. Mukhito said, was a betrayal of the people’s trust and an insult to the democratic mandate given by the citizens of Lilongwe City Centre.
He assured the chiefs that he was not in the race for personal gain or fame.
Rather, he is motivated by a strong desire to restore hope and dignity to the people of the constituency.
Hon. Mukhito promised to be a leader who listens, responds, and delivers on commitments made during the campaign and beyond.
The chiefs, in turn, expressed optimism about Hon. Mukhito’s candidacy, citing his humility, professionalism, and clear development agenda.
They voiced their disappointment with past political leaders who only returned to the area during election seasons.
Several chiefs shared personal stories of abandoned community projects, broken bridges, neglected schools, and chronic water shortages.
They noted how years of political neglect had turned Lilongwe City Centre into a forgotten zone despite being a vital urban constituency.
In response, Hon. Mukhito outlined a number of his key development priorities.
He stressed the importance of building strong partnerships between local leaders, civil society organizations, and government agencies.
He pledged to work closely with the chiefs to identify development gaps and mobilize resources for long-term solutions.
Hon. Mukhito reiterated that true change would only come through inclusive participation and transparency in decision-making.
He emphasized that every community member—from chiefs to youth to women—must feel they have a voice in shaping the future of the constituency.
The visit to Chatata CBO offices also served as a listening session for Hon. Mukhito.
He took note of the many concerns raised by the chiefs and promised to include them in his policy proposals and campaign agenda.
By the end of the meeting, there was a sense of renewed hope among those present.
The chiefs said they were encouraged by Hon. Mukhito’s approach and were confident that he represented a new chapter of accountable leadership.
They called upon residents of Lilongwe City Centre to rally behind him and give him a chance to bring real, measurable development.
Hon. Mukhito concluded the meeting by thanking the chiefs for their warm reception and wisdom.
He promised to return not just as a politician, but as a partner in progress and a servant of the people.
As the 2025 elections approach, Hon. Peter Mukhito’s interaction with the Chatata chiefs may well be remembered as a defining moment in the reawakening of Lilongwe City Centre’s development journey.
It signaled the emergence of a leader who is not only ready to speak—but ready to listen and act.
