The Maravi Post

LILONGWE—Better late than never. The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has decided to go after some of its members who accuse party leader, Pres Bingu wa Mutharika, of not listening and damaging the party.

Four members recently announced the formation of pressure group Hope Alliance, saying they wanted to nudge the party in the right direction, ahead of the country’s general elections in 2014.

Moses Kunkuyu, spokesperson for the group, said they intend “to clean the DPP system; to bring hope to Malawians by ensuring that the [DPP] observes the rule of law, good governance, democracy and that Malawians are able to get basic needs."

But on Thursday the party unleashed its senior party leaders on Hope Alliance, dismissing the group’s claims about the problems with the DPP leadership.

“Kunkuyu’s biggest claim is that he has problem accessing the party leadership,” said Ken Kandodo, a former finance minister whose name others have associated with Hope Alliance.

“I joined the party from its inception. I am a member of the National Governing Council and I speak to His Excellency the Ngwazi, therefore I can’t be part of a grouping seeking access to the same leadership I can access,” said Kandodo, who was among 25 DPP lawmakers who seemed to enjoy dismissing Kunkuyu and colleagues as people not to be taken seriously.

Kandodo, an MP for Kasungu Central, threatened legal action if people continued to associate him with Hope Alliance. The claims were damaging to his character, he said.

If access was indeed a problem, said Dr. Jean Kalirani, who is DPPs third vice president, she could help members meet the leadership of the party.

On Saturday last week, Hope Alliance said at least 11 more fellow MPs shared its concerns. So far the pressure group has given four names - Kunkuyu, MP for Blantyre City South, Jeffrey Ntelemuka (Blantyre City South East), Wells Gamah (Blantyre West) and Peter Nowa (Mulanje Pasani) - as its members, 

But the DPP attack machine was firing on all cylinders on Thursday.

“The same Saturday Honourable Kunkuyu is claiming to have had a meeting in Central Region, we had a regional meeting from 9 am to 5pm with the majority of MPs he claims to have met which raises a serious question on the credibility of his claims,” said Sosten Gwengwe, a lawmaker for Dedza Central.

Bauleni Mannah, MP for Dowa East, said Kunkuyu was unpopular in his constituency and accused him of making wild accusations to get attention.  

Kalirani said her party was ready to work with Hope Alliance to address concerns.

Some observers say the DPP should be careful in condemning Hope Alliance while at the same time saying it is open to dialogue. That observation isn’t without a basis. The ruling party has gained notoriety for going after members who criticise the leadership.

Vice President Joyce Banda was dismissed from the DPP for apparently refusing to endorse Peter Mutharika, brother to the incumbent president, as the party’s candidate for president in 2014. Banda has since formed her own party and some have left the DPP to join her. Banda’s Peoples Party seems poised to pose a serious electoral challenge to the DPP in 2014.

Hope Alliance’s Kunkuyu was contacted for his reaction to his party going after the group’s claims of growing membership.

Kunkuyu said he wasn’t surprised.

“I would do the same,” he said. “Time will tell.”
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment

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