By Burnett Munthali
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has fired back in a bold press release, condemning recent comments made by Kenneth Msonda at a Malawi Congress Party (MCP) rally in Lilongwe. In a fiery response, the DPP calls Msonda’s remarks outright “malicious lies” and demands a formal apology.

During his speech, Msonda alleged that former President Arthur Peter Mutharika planned to leave the country in November and return in July next year—only to join the MCP. Calling these claims “outrageous” and “baseless,” the DPP firmly denied the accusations, stating they are mere attempts to mislead the public and damage Mutharika’s reputation.
But the controversy didn’t stop there. Msonda also belittled Hon. Shadric Namalomba, DPP’s Publicity Secretary, comparing him to a servant in his own home. The DPP lambasted this as “disrespectful and unprofessional.”
The DPP made it clear: if Msonda does not publicly apologize in newspapers and at an upcoming MCP rally, the party is prepared to pursue legal action. “Integrity and honesty are the foundation of political engagement,” the statement reads, reinforcing the DPP’s commitment to elevating Malawian politics beyond baseless accusations and slander.
The DPP’s statement serves as more than just a defense against Msonda’s remarks; it’s a rallying cry for honest politics and accountability. The party pledged to move forward with integrity, building a brighter, more stable future for Malawians. Standing firm against “retrogressive politics” that thrives on deceit, the DPP emphasizes it is committed to addressing the nation’s socio-economic challenges, a mission it claims the current MCP administration has failed to deliver.
The DPP’s stance is clear: “We will not tolerate further defamation or character attacks,” said Namalomba. The demand for an apology is not just a request but a strong warning that the party will not be a passive target for false narratives.
In a political landscape where words hold power, the DPP’s statement reminds the public—and its opponents—that integrity is non-negotiable.