Rumours are the lifeblood of politics. They thrive in the shadows, feeding on uncertainty and ambition. In Malawi’s political corridors, two recent whispers have converged on one man: Eisenhower Mkaka.
The first rumour, born on social media, claims Mkaka has handpicked economist McBride Nkhalamba to contest the MCP presidency in 2029. The second, more elaborate, comes in the form of a purported letter from Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola, warning President Lazarus Chakwera of internal rivals — Mkaka among them — already mobilizing support.
Mkaka’s blunt dismissal of the social media chatter — “a shameless lie” — is vintage Mkaka: direct, dismissive, and calculated to project strength. Yet the very fact that his name dominates these narratives tells some significant story: perhaps he is a man that Chakwera should watch out for.
Mkaka is no ordinary party figure in MCP. He, together with young professionals of the time, was the architect of the “MCP Renaissance” in 2013, a strategist outfit that helped rebrand the party and elevate Chakwera from reverend to presidential contender. For a decade, he was the party’s silent giant — the man behind the curtain, shaping narratives and building structures, but occasionally on airwaves.
But politics is unforgiving. Chakwera, eventually sidelined him, dropping him from cabinet in 2023. Since then, Mkaka has been quieter, less visible. Yet silence in politics is rarely absence; it is often a voice.
Originating from the mandate earned from 2018 party convention, Chakwera is the incumbent president for the MCP and it remains unclear whether he is set to seek another term at the next convention in 2029. Meanwhile, dominating discussions about MCP’s future leadership are rumours about potential contenders.
Whether the rumours are true or false is almost beside the point. Their existence signals that Mkaka remains a figure of consequence within MCP. His legacy as kingmaker ensures that whispers of his return will always carry weight.
The party faces a looming test of succession. Chakwera’s leadership, once unifying, now faces internal jostling. Nkhalamba, Kapondamgaga, Msonthi — names are being floated, factions are forming. But none of these names carry the historical heft of Mkaka.
Mkaka may deny ambitions, but his silence is not neutrality. In politics, silence is power. It keeps allies guessing, rivals unsettled, and the public intrigued.
The twin rumours are less about truth than about relevance. They remind us that Eisenhower Mkaka, whether plotting a comeback or simply enjoying the speculation, remains the silent giant of MCP politics.
And in a party where history and image matter as much as votes, that silence may prove louder than any declaration. We simply don’t know.
