By Dorica Mtenje

LILONGWE (MaraviPost)— The sudden death of former First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Madalitso Kazombo, has ignited renewed debate about internal divisions within the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), with traditional leader pointing to deep-rooted rifts that may have contributed to his political isolation.

Speaking during Kazombo’s burial ceremony, Senior Chief Kaomba delivered a blunt message to MCP leaders who attended the funeral, urging them to reflect on their conduct toward the late legislator.

“If the unity we are seeing today had been shown during the 2025 campaign period, Kazombo would not have lost his parliamentary seat,” the Chief remarked. “Perhaps his life would not have ended the way it has.”

The statement drew murmurs from mourners and highlighted long-standing allegations of infighting and betrayal within the ruling party.

Kazombo was widely regarded as a hardworking and outspoken Member of Parliament, known for engaging directly with constituents and advocating for development initiatives in his area.

 However, sources within MCP allege that his political journey was persistently undermined by internal sabotage.

During the campaign period, accusations surfaced that senior party officials, including figures linked to the Secretary General’s office, covertly supported a “shadow candidate” to weaken Kazombo’s re-election bid. These alleged maneuvers contributed to his loss during the primaries.

This was not the first time Kazombo faced political adversity within his own party.

 In 2020, after losing MCP primaries, he contested as an independent candidate, won the parliamentary seat, and later earned the confidence of fellow legislators who elected him First Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

Fallout After Chilima’s Death

In a previous interview with this reporter, Kazombo openly admitted that his relationship with MCP leadership deteriorated further following the death of former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima, with whom he shared a close personal and political bond.

He claimed that after Chilima’s death, MCP leadership began systematically sidelining him, viewing his neutrality and independent stance as a threat rather than an asset.

Despite mounting pressure, Kazombo chose a conciliatory approach during his final tenure in Parliament, maintaining neutrality in contentious political debates.

This stance angered some senior MCP figures, who allegedly threatened him with impeachment.

According to Kazombo, he confronted the leadership directly, telling them he was willing to step down if they believed his position was untenable, a move that forced his critics to retreat.

 Kazombo was widely known as a successful farmer, often championing agricultural productivity and food security.

 Kazombo frequently encouraged young people to view farming as a viable business rather than a last resort.

At his burial, mourners described him as humble, principled, and resilient, a leader who endured political hostility while remaining committed to public service.

Kazombo’s death has become more than a moment of mourning; it has triggered introspection within MCP ranks.

Observers argue that unless the party addresses internal divisions, mistrust, and alleged victimization of independent-minded members, it risks losing capable leaders ahead of future elections.

As Senior Chief Kaomba warned, unity displayed only at funerals may come too late.