UTM holds Phalombe rally amid political threats

Despite threats to stone people going to Vice-President Saulos Chilima’s United Transformation Movement (UTM) rally in Phalombe, on Satarday multitudes attended.

As early as 10 am, the situation on the ground was a recipe for violence as UTM and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) supporters engaged in a motor race simulation on the Migowi-Chiringa Road, waving their flags and singing praise songs for their leaders.

There were fears the supporters would clash as the DPP had their own live band show at Nyezelera—less than five kilometres from Migowi Primary School, where UTM were conducting their rally.

However, there were no clashes when Chilima finally arrived at Migowi at 2pm.

In his speech, Chilima reiterated that every Malawian has a right to go anywhere in the country, as long they are not committing a crime.

“If you are planning to stone others, the same stone will hit you back miraculously,” he warned.

Just like in all places Chilima has launched UTM, he elaborated what he will do if ushered into power next year.

He pleaded with government to pay arrears of teachers who were promoted in 2014.

“Government promoted some teachers in 2014, but it has not paid them up to this day. Can you please pay them by Monday or Tuesday,” he said.

The Vice-President also laughed off government’s move to order Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) to buy pigeon peas at K230 per kilogramme, saying there is no market for the produce in India.

The order came after smallholder farmers had sold their produce cheaply, at between K20 and K70 per kilogramme.