Divisions have emerged between Malawi Coalition of Kabaza Stakeholders Association (Macokasa) and Kabaza Association of Malawi (Kama) after the latter’s declaration to support People’s Party (PP) led by former president Joyce Banda.
Kama leadership and some members on Monday attended the PP manifesto launch at the Great Sapitwa Hall of Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe where they pledged support to the former president’s candidature in the September 16 General Election.
Speaking during the launch, Kama president Joseph Petulo said one cannot speak of the Kabaza Association without mentioning Banda who played a big role in empowering motorcycle taxi operators (kabaza) when she was Head of State between April 2012 and May 2014.
He said: “Let me assure you, your excellency, that as kabaza operators, we will give you the votes you need. I am saying this from deep down my heart.
“If you want to see how serious we are, you should start holding rallies for kabaza operators after political rallies and you will see for yourself the support you will get. We can assure you that there will be no lorries ferrying people.”
However, Macokasa has faulted Kama leaders and said they cannot belong to Macokasa if they take political sides.
In an interview on Monday, Macokasa chairperson Moses Mwalabu said the Kama members who attended the launch did so in their personal capacity and not as representatives of the association.
But in an interview later, Petulo dismissed Mocakasa’s threats, saying Kama does not get orders from Macokasa.
He said: “The one who said that should know that the rules for Macokasa and Kama are different. The presence of Kama at the PP function is not strange because the PP president is our parent.”
In his remarks during the launch, PP secretary general Ben Chakhame said Banda has demonstrated commitment to empowering the youth and other vulnerable groups, adding the motorcycle taxis initiative is one of the many initiatives she embarked on to empower youth.
