Mzimba, Malawi – Engineer Vitumbiko Mumba, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) parliamentary candidate for Mzimba Central, has dismissed growing speculation that President Lazarus Chakwera may select him as a running mate in the upcoming September elections. Instead, he insists his priority is winning the constituency seat.
Speaking after a development rally at Mbalachanda Ground—where he donated two ambulances to the Mzimba District Health Office—Mumba downplayed rumors linking him to the vice-presidential slot. “My focus is on serving the people of Mzimba Central. Let’s not be distracted by speculation; what matters is ensuring victory for President Chakwera and MCP,” he told reporters.
Mumba
The rally, however, drew attention for the absence of senior MCP officials and cabinet ministers. When questioned, Mumba dismissed concerns, stating, “The presence of top leaders isn’t what wins elections—it’s the message. Our goal is to mobilize support for His Excellency and the party’s vision.”
Political analysts suggest Mumba’s remarks may be strategic, as openly campaigning for the running mate position could alienate other contenders. Meanwhile, his ambulance donation aligns with MCP’s push to showcase development efforts ahead of polls.
President Chakwera has yet to announce his running mate, with names like Vice President Saulos Chilima and other MCP heavyweights still in contention. Mzimba, a key battleground, could influence Chakwera’s choice, given its voting bloc significance.
As campaigns intensify, Mumba’s dual role—constituency candidate and potential VP—keeps observers watching. For now, he maintains: “Let’s secure Mzimba first; the rest will follow.”
Blantyre, Malawi – UTM President Dr. Dalitso Kabambe took his campaign to Blantyre on Sunday, addressing packed rallies at Makata Ground and Lunzu Trading Centre, where he pledged to reverse Malawi’s economic decline if elected in the September 16 general elections.
At Lunzu, Kabambe, a former Reserve Bank of Malawi governor, delivered a stark assessment of the nation’s crisis: “People sleep hungry, farmers lack fertilizer and markets, and prices of essentials are unbearable. This is not the Malawi we deserve” . Positioning himself as a technocratic alternative, he promised UTM’s “blueprint” would stabilize the economy through industrial growth, agricultural reforms, and job creation .
Kabambe in Blantyre
Kabambe’s speech contrasted his tenure as central bank chief (2017–2020)—marked by single-digit inflation and stable fuel and fertilizer prices—with the current Kwacha collapse (from 732 to 3,500 per USD) and soaring national debt (K16 trillion) under President Lazarus Chakwera . He emphasized UTM’s plans to complete stalled projects like Mombera University and establish new industries to spur self-reliance .
The rallies coincided with UTM’s ongoing coalition talks with other opposition parties, aiming to consolidate support under the 50+1 electoral system . Analysts note Kabambe’s appeal stems from his economic credentials and Chilima-esque reformist rhetoric, though MCP-aligned media have intensified attacks to undermine his credibility .
With six months to elections, Kabambe’s message resonates among voters weary of inflation and unemployment. “Malawi needs competence, not empty promises,” he declared, framing the poll as a referendum on survival .
Simplex Chithyola Banda, the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Kasungu South Constituency, has emerged victorious in the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) primary parliamentary elections held today at Chigodi Stadium in Kasungu District.
Chithyola secured a commanding 2,216 votes, significantly surpassing his closest competitors. Joseph Manguluti received 112 votes, while Vasco Ntunduwatha Chimbalu garnered 35 votes. This overwhelming win ensures that Chithyola will represent the ruling MCP in the upcoming general elections scheduled for September.
Simplex Chithyola
His victory highlights continued confidence in his leadership, particularly in his role as Minister of Finance. Chithyola’s performance in the primaries reflects his strong standing within the party and among the people of Kasungu South. As he prepares for the upcoming general elections, his victory solidifies his position as a key figure in the MCP and a formidable contender for re-election.
The outcome of the primaries was widely anticipated, with Chithyola having a significant political base and reputation for his work in government. His success in securing the party’s nomination will set the stage for a competitive race in September’s elections.
Deputy Minister of Local Government, Joyce Chitsulo has called for a speedy identification of a replacement of late acting Traditional Authority (TA) Mwamlowe who was laid to rest on Saturday.
She made the remarks during the funeral ceremony of the late tradtional leader at his headquarters in Mlowe where she represented the president, Dr Lazarus Chakwera.
She said Mwamlowe was a development messenger for his people in the local assembly and his demise has created a gap that needs to be filled quickly.
“Tradtional chiefs are very critical in championing government development activities in their respective communities and the death of Mwamlowe has created a gap that needs to be filed.
“We hope the family will quickly identify a replacement to represent them at the local assembly. We also hope the process will be according to laid down succession procedures to avoid wrangles,” said Chistulo.
She also echoed the calls by the member of parliament for the area, Kamlepo Kalua and the late chiefs family to elevate the Mwamlowe Chieftaincy to Senior Chief because it is one of the oldest chieftaincies in the district.
Senior Chief Katumbi who represented Paramount Chief Chikulamayembe, described late Mwamlowe as a peaceful person who was friendly to everyone including the young and old.
Family representative, Weston Mhango described the late chief as the pillar of the family who loved his family and community very much.
He added that the community will also miss his passion for sports in particular football and had a social football team which he accompanied to various areas to watch it play.
Born Ian Kachipapa Mwamlowe on 21 June in 1967 he became acting chief in 2014 following the death of his father, but was never officially installed as TA.
He died of diabetes on Wednesday at Mzuzu Central Hospital and is survived by a wife and two children.
Former President Joyce Banda today visited Ntchisi, where she delivered a fiery critique of the current administration under President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
In her speech, Banda expressed deep concern over the deteriorating living standards that many Malawians are experiencing across the country.
She drew a stark comparison between her time in office and the present leadership, emphasizing that her administration, despite inheriting serious economic challenges, managed to stabilize the economy and restore hope.
Banda accused President Chakwera of making things worse for ordinary Malawians instead of building on the gains made by previous governments.
She pointed to rising prices of basic commodities, fuel shortages, and an unmanageable cost of living as evidence that the current government has failed to deliver on its promises.
According to her, there is a growing sense of despair among Malawians who had placed their trust in the Tonse Alliance, only to be met with frustration and economic hardship.
The former president also criticized the lack of transparency and accountability within the Chakwera administration, arguing that corruption and nepotism have taken root while citizens suffer.
She said that Malawians have been let down by leaders who prioritize political survival over the wellbeing of the people.
In what seemed like a political rallying cry ahead of the 2025 elections, Banda urged citizens to rise up and demand change, asserting that they deserve better governance.
She told the crowd in Ntchisi that when she led the nation, there was a deliberate focus on inclusive policies aimed at poverty reduction and social protection.
Banda cited specific programs from her presidency, such as social cash transfers and women economic empowerment initiatives, which she said were designed to cushion the most vulnerable groups in society.
She challenged President Chakwera to explain what tangible impact his administration has made since taking over the reins of power.
The former president further alleged that the current regime has failed to manage donor relations effectively, which has resulted in loss of confidence and dwindling international support.
She lamented that Malawi’s global reputation has suffered under the Chakwera leadership, making it more difficult to attract development assistance.
Banda warned that if nothing is done urgently, the country risks sliding deeper into an economic abyss that will take years to recover from.
She emphasized that the Tonse government’s inability to manage public resources wisely is partly to blame for the worsening fiscal deficit and rampant public debt.
Banda also took time to highlight the struggles of rural communities, particularly in districts like Ntchisi, where access to clean water, healthcare, and agricultural inputs remains limited.
She said the government must stop paying lip service to development and instead deliver real solutions that improve people’s lives.
The former president said she is heartbroken to see people queuing for maize in long lines while the government looks the other way.
She said this was not the vision she fought for, and she cannot remain silent while Malawians continue to suffer.
Joyce Banda reminded the audience that leadership is about service, not self-enrichment, and that the country needs leaders who walk the talk.
She called on all progressive forces to unite and rescue Malawi from what she described as a “sinking ship.”
Banda’s remarks are likely to spark political debate as the country heads toward a heated electoral season ahead of the September 16 Convention and the 2025 general elections.
Her statements reflect growing dissatisfaction within the political opposition and among ordinary citizens who feel betrayed by the current leadership.
Whether or not her message resonates nationwide, one thing is clear—Malawi is at a crossroads, and the voices calling for change are growing louder.
