By Durell Namasani
Tension is mounting within the ranks of the UTM as party supporters express outrage over the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) silence regarding the establishment of a new commission of enquiry into the death of former Vice President Saulos Chilima. Loyalists of the late leader are accusing the DPP of exploiting Chilima’s name and memory for political gain during the last electoral cycle, only to abandon the cause now that the votes have been cast.
Supporters are particularly incensed by what they perceive as hollow promises made by DPP President Peter Mutharika. They allege that the party used the tragedy to garner sympathy and secure votes, yet has remained conspicuously quiet on pushing for a fresh probe into the fatal plane crash. One furious supporter voiced the deep-seated anger within the party’s base. “Inali show yofuna mavuto? Inali kanena chabe!!” She fumed, accusing the DPP of hypocrisy.
The sentiment on the ground suggests a growing disillusionment, with backers feeling used and discarded. “Using someone’s death for their gain but God the creator who created heaven and earth is not sleeping nor slumber!!! He’s not a man like you lot that he will lie,” the supporter warned, suggesting divine retribution for political duplicity. Another questioned the DPP’s sudden inaction, asking, “Kunyamuka mmakwawo kupita ulendo wautali kungofuna kutamika awoneke ngati anthu abwino?” expressing a belief that change is imminent.
The frustration has reached a boiling point, with comparisons being drawn between the current administration and the previous regime they helped oust. “Ine sindiopa kumena chilungamo!!! You guys are the same as the ones we booted out!! Im sorry we are not going to paint you with a different colour red yomweyo yamagazi!!!” the supporter declared, signaling a potential fracture in the political alliance as demands for justice for Chilima grow louder.
