The reshuffling of cabinet by President Mutharika brings with it mixed reactions from various sectors for varying reasons as well. It also explains why Peter Mutharika did not attend the SADC meeting, instead sending foreign Minister Chaponda in his place.
This also come after the public remarks Vice President Saulos Chilima Uttered at a rally in Ndirande “Mr President, Njoka saweta. Ena anayesera kuweta nsato koma mapeto ake inawadyera mwana. Those joining us just come to help build the nation”
Atupele Muluzi, who was Minister of Home Affairs has now been pushed to Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development. This is now the third time Atupele has been moved to another Portfolio in 12 months.
According to ranks this is a demotion for young Atupele Muluzi. The fact that he appears to be demoted is not the surprise. It was intriguing in the first Place why Peter Mutharika entrusted someone outside the DPP with Home Affairs. This is technically the spy Ministry. One who holds this cabinet post wields enormous power. They are able to know personal secrets of many people in the country.
So was this the reason Vice President Chilima warned Peter Mutharika Publicly? So is it farfetched to say Atupele Muluzi was targeted for change?
The latest changes have seen Tarcizio Gowelo, who served as, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Paul Chibingu losing their portfolios completely. These two were merely sacrificial lambs as can be seen from their reactions after the demotion. They were happy to have been appointed and still remain loyal to Peter Mutharika and the DPP. They have openly expressed gratitude towards the State President for according them a chance in the first place.
Minister of Health Jean Kalirani has been shifted to the Ministry of Home affairs and Internal Security and been replaced by Dr Peter Kumpalume. Even though Kalirani failed at Health it is hard to say she failed as she is now been entrusted with the Security of the nation. What I call the Spy Ministry.
DPP loyalist Information Minister Kondwani Nankhumwa has also been relocated to the Ministry of local government and rural development, he has been replaced by Jappie Mhango. Even though he spoke out of turn at times, it is believed he uttered statements that were approved by the State President. If he was targeted it was simply to make sure he did not have to carry the Megaphone to embarrass the party. He was the wrong messenger.
And responding to evolving dynamism in the implementation of programmes, President Mutharika has shifted the Department of Culture to be under Sports and Culture. First to go was the Department of Wildlife which was placed under Natural Resources, Energy and Mining thereby leaving the Department of Tourism to singularly and fully focus on the development and promotion of tourism in the country.
Samuel Tembenu remains Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs so obviously he was not the target. However his effectiveness and independence will be tested with the 577 Billion cashgate scandal. Is he going to go after his boss if the President or those close to him were involved? People are suspicious of Tembenu as he appears to have a conflict of interest. He Company continues to represent Peter Mutharika in personal lawsuits against Ntata and Nyasatimes.
For now the changes confirm Goodall Gondwe, Kaliati, Grace Obama Chiumia, George Chaponda, Saulos Chilima and Tembenu appear to be the safest.
