‘DPP should just fire me’

Q

:The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had a political rally in your Mulanje South Constituency, but we did not see you at the rally. Where were you?

A

: It is true that I was not there, but not out of choice. I first heard about the rally through adverts that were being aired on local radio stations and I was expecting to appear on the list of guests at the rally as the venue was in my constituency, but I was not on the list. I also expected to be informed or invited to the rally officially, but this did not happen.

However, I am not very surprised. It was expected because since the time I organised the ‘Naked Demonstrations’ against the killing of people with albinism, I have been sidelined when it comes to all party activities. I can reveal to the nation that since then, I have not participated or been invited to any party activity. The only DPP member who engages me is Honourable Patricia Kaliati when she is having activities within Mulanje.

Q

: Have you inquired from the party leadership to know why they sideline you?

Just after the incident, I spoke to Honourable George Chaponda, but nothing has been done so far. It is a confusion which Honourable Charles Mchacha is creating because I know this is not what President Peter Mutharika wants. It is an initiative spearheaded by a few, who have their own agenda.

Unfortunately, they have closed all the doors for me. I have no access to the President to whom I would have taken the issue to. I remember how I struggled last time to reach the President. I tried all the possible means, but I did not succeed. So, I am just watching, but I fear for my constituency because this can breed divisions among the constiruents.

Q

: We are informed some people interrupted the rally organised by the party at Lauderdale ground and some believe you were behind the fracas. What do you say?

A

: These are products of the divisions I am talking about. I did not send anyone to interrupt the rally, but the fact remains that some people are not happy with the divisions the regional governor Honourable Charles Mchacha is creating in my constituency.

The first step that angered some people was the decision by Mchacha to organise elections for positions in my constituency and elect new office-bearers without engaging my office. This is illegal in all terms. As we are talking, there are two party offices in my constituency. Both

of them have office-bearers because those in the initial office say they do not recognise the elections and the new office as I do. By formula, a member of Parliament (MP) for a specific constituency is responsible for the costs of running the office and I don’t know who is footing the bills for the new office.

I am also informed, there is now a DPP shadow MP in my constituency and this is shameful because they could have just fired me. However, as I have said time and again, I am not intimidated and I will continue working with my team.

Q

: In the past, we used to see you performing your comedies at DPP political functions. Have you stopped gracing the party’s rallies?

A

: This is a true observation. It has taken time now since I performed at a DPP rally and the turning point is the ‘Naked Demonstrations’. I remember I was among those earmarked to perform at a rally in Kasungu, but my name was removed. I was also supposed to perform in Lilongwe at the disaster preparedness event graced by the Vice-President. Inside sources told me my name was removed and I know the people who did that.

There was a circular which was sent to all people who are responsible for organising party activities, advising them not to include me on any programme and should never hire me to perform at the party’s rallies. So, this is the origin of my absence from party activities, but let me repeat, this is a waste of energy. If they don’t want me, why not just fire me?

Q

: We are informed there was a disciplinary hearing on your conduct to hold the ‘Naked Demonstrations’ against your political party and we thought the issue is now water under the bridge?

A

: It is true. There was indeed a disciplinary hearing and the issue was discussed at length. The meeting resolved that I resign from the  post of publicity secretary voluntarily and that I am still a DPP member and MP entitled to all benefits like any other. I have the letter with me.

Like you think, I also thought after this, the issue is over and business will return to normal, but the opposite is happening. I am sidelined in all party activities and I am now just a party member, who is not even visible to party leadership.

Q

: With these differences, how is the constituency performing on development activities?

A

: Things are not working and my fear is that this will only cost my constituents development projects. I am saddened to note that in our politics, we prioritise our interests at the expense of those for the constituents. What the regional governor for south (Mchacha) and others are doing is not punishing me, but the constituents.

Q

: Now that you know there is a shadow MP that your political party is supporting. Will you resign from the party?

A

: Not at all. I am a DPP member and I am not thinking of resigning from the party. I will not say anything on whether I will contest as a DPP candidate come 2019 because it is up to the people in the constituency to decide. However, as earlier explained, DPP is busy forming parallel structures and if it happens that I am their candidate come 2019, I will not allow using those structures.

Q

: Your last word?

A

: DPP should just fire me rather than frustrating me.  The disciplinary letter says I am a DPP member and MP and that is what holds me to the party.  About the ‘Naked Demonstration’, I have said times without number; it was not a party issue, so I am not making any apology.

Finally, let me put it straight that I don’t like the practice of coming in my constituency and disturb me and my constituents. I will not accept this and my followers are very angry. n