Bodyguards for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president Peter Mutharika on Saturday manhandled the party’s deputy spokesperson Bon Kalindo at Mutharika’s Area 10 residence.
But Mutharika’s personal assistant Ben Phiri said there was nothing political about the attack, saying the incident resulted from personal disagreements between Kalindo and the bodyguards.
Mutharika arrived in the country from United States of America via Kamuzu International Airport on Saturday and a convoy to his house comprised DPP senior members, among them Bon Kalindo, and supporters.
Kalindo was among the entourage that escorted Mutharika inside the fence of his house, but immediately he entered the fence, Mutharika’s bodyguards grabbed him and threw him out of the gate.
Kalindo said he was surprised with the incident: “I don’t know why they have treated me like this because there is nothing wrong I have done to my party which I love most.”
Asked whether the attack was in connection with rumours that he once visited president Joyce Banda at State House, Kalindo admitted meeting Banda on 5 January 2014, but denied discussing politics with the President.
“The President wanted to discuss issues about Mulanje Moutain as you know I have been [involved in issues concerning environment in the mountain],” said Kalindo.
Phiri said none of Mutharika’s bodyguards accepted involvement in the attack.
“I have investigated the matter, but no one in the security team has accepted responsibility,” said Phiri.
Kalindo said he remains loyal to DPP.
“I am still DPP because this is the party that can take Malawi forward. I don’t take the incident at Mutharika’s residence seriously,” said Kalindo.
Kalindo is also DPP’s shadow parliamentarian for Mulanje South.
