Mzuzu vendors plot to oust regional president

Vendors in Mzuzu are plotting to remove Northern Region Vendors Association president Stanley Simbeye for allegedly siding with Mzuzu City Council on issues affecting their welfare.

The vendors have recently clashed with the council over several issues, including the hike of market fees. The vendors say they feel betrayed by their president.

They had earlier planned to impeach Simbeye, but have since decided to hold polls to ensure a proper transition of power. The polls are scheduled for today, Tuesday, but there is resistance from Simbeye’s camp.

Mzuzu Main Market vendors’ committee secretary Franklin Hara said vendors have lost confidence in Simbeye’s leadership; hence, the call for the elections.

He alleged that Simbeye has been working in isolation and imposing decisions on vendors. Hara also claimed that since 2008 when Simbeye assumed office, there have been no elections.

However, Hara said the vendors’ president has been given a chance to contest during the elections to ensure that all interested persons participate.

Simbeye did not pick up his phone when called.