Senior members of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) have condemned Shadric Namalomba, the legislator for Mangochi South West, for his recent controversial remarks regarding the arrest of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials should the DPP regain power. Namalomba, who simultaneously holds the position of National Publicity Secretary for the DPP and serves as a spokesperson for party leader Professor Peter Mutharika, stirred significant backlash during a parliamentary session last Thursday.
In his comments, Namalomba suggested that the government should prepare police cells for the anticipated arrests of senior MCP officials, a statement that senior DPP members have since labelled “childish, ill-timed, and a betrayal.” Key figures within the party, including Secretary General Peter Mukhito and National Director of Youth Norman Chisale, expressed their discontent, arguing that such a strategy should have remained undisclosed ahead of elections.
Mukhito reportedly questioned Namalomba’s judgment and voiced frustration over his lack of discretion in making public comments on such a sensitive matter. An insider revealed that Mukhito was particularly irked, given that many DPP members, including the DPP leader Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, are currently entangled in legal issues that have yet to be resolved by the current administration’s handling of allegations against them. “You know, Honourable, most of us have serious cases to answer,” Mukhito pointed out, “but these guys have acted professionally and refrained from using prosecuting agencies to target us. You cannot discuss such plans publicly, especially while we are still in opposition.”
Chisale echoed Mukhito’s feelings, citing the reckless nature of Namalomba’s comments. “These challenges arise because our MPs go to Parliament without caucusing to discuss and strategize,” he stated during an impromptu meeting. “Talking about arresting MCP senior officers was a grave mistake. Some of us have experienced the horrors of police and prison cells; it is hell. You cannot now tell those in power that we plan to arrest them,” warned Chisale. He noted that such statements could lead to retaliatory actions against DPP members as the election approaches.
In response to the backlash, Namalomba offered an apology to his colleagues, attributing his remarks to the high-pressure environment of Parliament, where emotions can run high and lead to irresponsible comments.
Political scientist Dennis Mlodzeni weighed in on the situation, noting that the DPP is struggling with a lack of coherent leadership. He remarked, “The problem with the DPP is that it is headless, as its leader Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is not in control and cannot offer any advice when Parliament is meeting.”
