Mulhako wa Alhomwe, a cultural group for Lhomwe people, has alleged that the Tonse Alliance administration is in a drive to eliminate the grouping’s members from key positions in the public sector.
Briefing journalists in Blantyre on Friday, Mulhako wa Alhomwe chief executive officer Pius Mvenya alleged that Lhomwe people were now fearing for their lives since the Tonse Alliance administration was ushered into power through the court-sanctioned Fresh Presidential Election on June 23 2020.
Responding to a question from The Nation on the basis or justification for the claims when during the administration of Democratic progressive Party (DPP) the grouping’s membership was perceived to benefit more, he claimed that there were no such issues.
Mvenya said the grouping will engage government and other international agencies on the issue.
He said: “There are so many people that have been dismissed from work for being Lhomwe or because they are linked to the former government. We are now living in fear.
“The whole government is putting its efforts in making sure that Lhomwe people are eliminated. That is not unity.”
In a WhatsApp response, Minister of Information Gospel Kazako said responding to such claims would amount to fertilising tribalism.
He said the nine-party Tonse Alliance administration is an inclusive administration that does not see Malawi through tribal lenses.
Kazako, who is the official government spokesperson, said: “We will, therefore, not be drawn into that narrative that we suspect is motivated by partisan politics. We are advancing a policy of a Malawi for all where all Malawians are equal and must abide by the laws of this country.”
He said government will not join those that believe in tribalism, stressing that it is a different type of government that sees things from a different perspective.
Meanwhile, the grouping has announced that it will hold the annual Mulhako wa Alhomwe cultural festival on October 10 at Chonde in Mulanje District.
The cultural festival did not take place last year following restrictions on mass gathering put in place due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mvenya said the Lhomwe chiefs council, members of the secretariat and board of trustees recently met where they resolved to hold the event this year.
Mulhako wa Alhomwe was formed during the administration of DPP founding president Bingu wa Mutharika purportedly to preserve Lhomwe cultural heritage.
Howe v e r, wit h t ime perceptions emerged that members of the grouping were being favoured in the award of government contracts as well as consideration for some top jobs in the public sector.
