APM ‘sneaks out’ for private trip

Former president Peter Mutharika left the country last week through Chileka International Airport in Blantyre on a private trip, it has emerged.

Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) spokesperson Robert Kalindiza confirmed in an interview yesterday that Muthatika has travelled abroad.

But he could not provide more details regarding the destination, when he is expected to return home and whether the trip is a holiday one as per former presidents’ benefits.

Said Kalindiza: “Indeed Professor Peter Mutharika is a public figure, but you should also know that he is also a man with a private life to live. So, he has travelled on a private trip.

“As a former president, OPC was informed of the trip and we are aware of it. If need be, the public will be informed on when he is expected to return. Further, the trip is privately-sponsored.”

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and Mutharika’s spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said the former president has travelled to several countries for private engagements.

He said: “I can confirm that the former president together with the former first lady Madame Gertrude Mutharika have travelled to a number of countries on a private and confidential visit.

“You will appreciate that for security reasons, I will not share with the public his date of coming back, the countries he is visiting and people he is meeting.”

DPP sources confided that Mutharika left through Chileka a day before he was expected to attend the Chiwanja Cha Ayao cultural festival in Mangochi District.

Said the source: “He is destined for Dubai in the United Arab Emirates where he will proceed to other countries.

“Their tickets were bought in the United States and they will return on November 4 this year.”

As a former president, he and his spouse are each entitled under the Presidents (Salaries and Benefits) Act, to one first class return air ticket to any destination abroad each year.

However, since his loss in the court-sanctioned Fresh Presidential Election in June 2020, he has spent most of his time at his beachside residence in Mangochi.

He has also been taking short trips to Blantyre, with the longest known trip to Enukweni in Mzimba District to attend the burial of former minister of Finance and personal friend Goodall Gondwe.

Speaking at Mulhako wa Alhomwe on October 8 2023, Mutharika vowed to run for the country’s president in 2025 to dislodge incumbent Lazarus Chakwera and address economic challenges the country is facing under the Tonse Alliance.