The man who has been loyal to Malawi President Peter Mutharika and who many accuse of being the puppet master is celebrating his birthday today and his DPP cadets are full of congratulatory messages on social media.
Writing on his Facebook wall, James Mwangalli one of the cadets wrote:
“Today is a great day for one of our own as he celebrates his birthday. This is none other than the Field Marshall himself. A great planner, team player, focused and a determined personality.
I recall the day I had a meeting with him at Sagecoa Golden Peacock, in the heat of the 2014 election campaign, much as I was a determined Cadet, but I witnessed a confident and focused field marshal, and I left the place more fired up! Every time,
I interact with this great and focused planner, I learn the importance of remaining focused and not allow unnecessary distractions to get in one’s way, I learn the importance of focusing on the bigger picture. So, yes, join us as we wish a Happy Birthday to Dr. Ben Phiri. It’s your day boss, enjoy it in style”
Nyasulu Hez: “Happy birthday Dr. Ben Phiri. You are an inspiration to many of the youths. We admire your courage”
Ghosten Koloviko: “Happy Birthday Comrade Dr Ben Phiri! Celebrate in style!”
Rhoda Manyavunyavu Misomali “That is leadership Dr Phiri. Keep the fire burning Doc”
On May of 2015 Ben Phiri following many accusations from the likes of Allan Ntata and many detractors of newly elected President Peter Mutharika, Ben Phiri tendered his resignation from day-today operations at state house.
In an indirect reference to the feud that exists between him and former State House legal adviser Allan Ntata, who claims that Phiri misguides the President, Phiri said the problem is made worse when the youth are used to destroy fellow youths
“It is only in Malawi that allegations of corruption are made and the one making the allegations is never taken to task. The perception that is out there is that I have accumulated assets amounting to millions of kwacha,” Phiri said.
However many believed it was just a ploy to appease and fool the many accusers. He is still believed to be pulling the strings.
Ben Phiri is believed now to be running an online publication that has mercilessly targeted the likes of opposition leader Lazarus Chakwera, Joyce Banda and critics of the Peter Mutharika Leadership style like Ben Chiza Mkandawire.
Ben Chiza Mkandawire was so angered with such attacks that he threatened to reveal secrets that would destroy Peter Mutharika and the DPP.
Read Ben Chiza Mkandawire Insults Ben Phiri Threatens to expose DPP Secreats
A confidant once told the Maravi Post that Ben Phiri knows how to play the political game and one has to always be watching their back when dealing with him.
According to our reliable source within Kamuzu Palace, the feud between Ntata and Ben Phiri started when Ntata advised Mutharika not to associate closely with Phiri, who he sees as an educated and lacks worldly sophistication.
Read Allan Ntata responds forcefully, ‘Your Job is to lead, Mr President’
Allan Ntata is said to have written a memo to Mutharika telling him that his being close to Ben Phiri is a mistake because the young man has grown too powerful and shields many party members to see him (Mutharika). However, Phiri got wind of the memo and drew enemy lines with Ntata since that time,” said the source.
The two have been feuding on social media since then.
However, on this special day we take time to wish Ben Phiri a Happy birthday.