Malawi’s flagship daily, The Nation has asked former President and founder of the People’s Party (PP) Joyce Banda to tell nation how she bought 121 motor cycles and 82 different kinds of vehicles.
According to the paper, Banda spent a minimum of K436 million to buy the fleet when she was President between April 2012 and June 2014.
Out of the total vehicles bought, it is only 12 that she bought before becoming President with three purchased while Cabinet Minister in 2004, 2007 and 2008, nine as Vice President between 2009 and 2011.
In its editorial comment, the paper urges the former President to come clear on the issue of how she bought all the cars and motor bikes.
“This is disturbing for two reasons. First, why would anyone buy all these vehicles and bikes for personal use? This is why several commentators say that without putting a cap on how many personal assets a President can buy under the duty free status; this privilege is prone to abuse,” says the paper, which is Misa Malawi Print Media of Year (2014).
The same issues were raised when first and second democratically elected Presidents Bakili Muluzi and Bingu wa Mutharika left office with personal fleets that run into hundreds.
“When will this circus stop? That is why we agree with legal and political commentators that this piece of legislation requires urgent review to put in safety nets that prevent abuse.
“Where did she get the money for this largesse? Did the former President have the kind of business that could bankroll such expenditures?