Esther Mcheka-Chilenje, a relatively new member of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), seems to be exhibiting an insatiable thirst for power and relevance. Her actions suggest a willingness to trample over the party’s foundational principles of discipline, loyalty, obedience, and unity. In her latest maneuver, Mcheka-Chilenje has organized a fundraising dinner under the banner of the MCP, brazenly using the party’s logo on her promotional materials. The event, labelled as a gathering of “Friends of Hon. Dr. Esther Mcheka Chilenje,” is scheduled for May 25, 2024, at Chichiri Secondary Hall, beginning at 6 pm.
Her advertisement boasts performances by artists such as Favoured Martha, Evance Mereka, Shammah Vocals, Miracle Chinga, and others, and invites the public to support the event by contacting the numbers listed on the poster for contributions.
This move has not gone unnoticed by senior party political gurus, who expressed bewilderment at Chilenje’s approach. They question her decision to use the MCP logo, suggesting it gives the misleading impression that the event has been endorsed by the party. They further questioned the true objective of the fundraising—whether it serves personal political ambitions or genuinely benefits the party.
“Is it acceptable for any member to use the party’s symbols for individual political gains? This could potentially lead to chaos. It is imperative that the Secretary General or Publicity Secretary of the MCP clarify whether this event has been officially sanctioned or if it represents a deviation from the party’s pure DNA,” one official said on the condition of anonymity.