By Chisomo Phiri

Former Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) Governor Dalitso Kabambe on Tuesday officially joined the United Transformation Movement (UTM), just a few days after departing from the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

At an event held at Masambanjati Ground in Thyolo, Kabambe said he had decided to join the party after consulting with his family.

Kabambe stated that he made the decision to join UTM after analyzing the constitutions and manifestos of different parties.

“I saw that UTM’s manifesto is the one that resonates with the needs of Malawi. It is the party that, among others, wants to see many jobs created. So, I feel it is the right party to move this country forward,” he said.

On her part, UTM Secretary-General Patricia Kaliati said the party has an open-door policy for those who wish to join.

She said:”The exit door is closed, but the party is open to all those who would like to join.”

Kaliati also took time to thank people participating in the candlelight memorial events across the country, adding that it is incorrect to say the events are being used as a campaign tool.

The Secretary-General concluded her remarks by saying the party is strong, denying assertions that there are squabbles within UTM.

“We thank President Lazarus Chakwera for choosing our party president, Michael Usi, to be Vice-President of the country. We are not fighting in UTM,” she said.

Kabambe, an economist, joined DPP and became active in politics in 2020 after the Tonse Alliance administration, which had just booted DPP from power through the court-sanctioned fresh presidential election on June 23 2020, removed him as the central bank chief.

He was among hopefuls for DPP presidency after its president Peter Mutharika declared he would not continue to lead the party.