Malawians are voicing fierce resistance to the return of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), branding it a party of “thieves” after shocking revelations of massive wealth amassed by Paulos Norman Chisale, former bodyguard to ex-president Peter Mutharika.
Chisale, whose official role was that of a mere bodyguard, has had his property seized by the courts after judges ruled that his riches could not be explained by his earnings. The scale of the confiscation has stunned the public: 21 luxury houses and 84 vehicles—not small cars, but high-end SUVs and flashy rides far beyond the means of his salary.
As one commentator put it: “How does a bodyguard afford to buy fleets of Toyota TXs and luxury vehicles? The court itself was shocked.”
Analysts argue that Chisale’s case illustrates the deep rot of the Mutharika years, when state capture and plunder were disguised behind the frail presidency of Arthur Peter Mutharika. In reality, insiders like Chisale and former police chief Peter Mukhito are said to have wielded enormous influence, enriching themselves through abuse of power.
“When you vote for Mutharika, you are actually choosing Chisale,” one political voice warned, underscoring fears that a DPP return would simply restore the same shadowy figures who ruled “through the back door” while Mutharika dozed.
The anger is clear: “Never again should DPP come back. Thieves must not be given a second chance. They must return what they stole from Malawians,” reads one rallying cry.
Observers note that President Lazarus Chakwera is increasingly being seen as the safer option, contrasting his governance with the DPP’s legacy of looting. Calls of “Say NO to DPP” are becoming louder as the September 16 election approaches.
