Chakale, Chisi join MCP

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-president for the Centre Zeria Chakale and Umodzi Party president John Chisi yesterday defected to the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

The two, alongside DPP’s members Chikumbutso Sinsamala and Maureen Isa were welcomed by MCP secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka at a press briefing he held at the party’s headquarters.

Speaking during the function, Mkaka said MCP continues to grow strong despite some hardships and that it is geared to win the 2025 elections.

Said Mkaka: “These members are returning home like the biblical prodigal son. Let’s welcome them knowing that they have come to help us easily win the elections in 2025. There are many more people who will be joining the party and they will be unveiled in the coming days.”

In her remarks, Chakale claimed that her former party was only using her to fight government at the expense of development.

She observed that the country is poor and that political bickering will not alleviate poor Malawians out of poverty.  

Said Chakale: “I am impressed with how Lilongwe has been transformed, especially the roads. If only other leaders had continued from where Kamuzu had left off! I can’t be attacking Chakwera when I truly know in my heart that this administration is delivering.”

On his part, Chisi said he decided to join MCP because he is convinced that President Lazarus Chakwera is determined to develop the country.  

Said Chisi: “There is power in unity, the infrastructure developments by MCP are there for everyone to see. How can we assist people in the villages to access fertiliser if we are fighting government? Chakwera has done a lot even in the midst of challenges like cyclones, and the opposition parties are just busy fighting themselves.”

Asked on whether he was going to deregister Umodzi Party, Chisi said the members he has left in the party will decide its future.