It seems former President Peter Mutharika and his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) are once again lost in a storm of their own making—this time, by spreading false alarms about imaginary demonstrations that never existed.
In what appears to be a desperate attempt to control public opinion, Mutharika reportedly claimed that some people are plotting to stage protests—warning that he will “deal with anyone” who dares to demonstrate. But analysts say Mutharika has no such authority. Demonstrations are a constitutional right, and not even a former president can silence citizens when they demand accountability.
Political observers argue that the DPP is simply panicking. With the cost of living spiraling and campaign promises—like the K50,000 fertilizer pledge—still hanging in the air, the party fears growing public frustration could soon turn into street action. Instead of fixing the problems, the DPP is trying to shift blame, using fake intelligence to point fingers at innocent people.
But Timothy Mtambo, the AFORD Vice President and former HRDC bulldozer who once led massive protests against Mutharika’s regime, has fired back sharply.
“STOP PROPAGANDA!” Mtambo said in a strong statement.
“The social media claims linking me to any planned demonstrations against the new administration are completely false. I have nothing to do with them, and I condemn this kind of misinformation. Malawi just had peaceful elections—this is the time to unite, not divide with lies.”
Mtambo made it clear that he supports democracy and the right to protest—but that doesn’t mean he is planning any. His message was simple: focus on progress, not propaganda.
Meanwhile, critics have accused DPP operatives—commonly known as cadets—of fueling fear through fake stories instead of addressing Malawi’s real problems. “Mutharika must stop intimidating people,” one political analyst said. “If his government or party fails to deliver, Malawians have every right to take to the streets. That’s democracy.”
As Mtambo put it, “Our nation needs unity, focus, and truth—not lies and fearmongering.”
In the end, Mutharika’s attempt to scare the public may only expose the DPP’s growing anxiety about its promises and relevance. And if the people ever decide to march again—it won’t be because of Mtambo’s influence, but because of their own hunger for leadership that listens, not lectures.
