Social media users defend DPP’s Speaker candidate, accusing Kenani of political bias and dismissing his remarks as partisan attacks.
By Burnett Munthali
Maravi Post’s Facebook page has once again sparked heated debate following a post criticizing Sameer Suleman’s suitability for the position of Speaker of Parliament.
The original post stated that Suleman was “not fit for the position of Speaker,” alleging that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was using its political and financial influence to push him forward for selfish reasons rather than for the good of the nation.
The post ended with a call to Members of Parliament, urging them to “act wisely” in their voting decisions.
However, reactions from readers poured in quickly, with many rushing to defend Suleman while turning their criticism toward Onjezani Kenani, whom they accused of being politically biased.
One reader remarked that it is common knowledge that Onjezani Kenani is affiliated with the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and therefore harbors resentment toward the DPP.
Another commenter argued that the people had deliberately chosen to vote against the MCP and that Kenani’s opinions would not change the outcome.
Some even hinted that the controversy surrounding Suleman’s candidacy had created fear among certain quarters, referring to it as the “black box” situation.
Several users dismissed the original post as mere political propaganda, accusing Kenani and others aligned with the MCP media team of attempting to tarnish Suleman’s reputation.
“Media team ya congress youma mitu,” one commenter wrote, implying that the MCP media team was out of ideas.
Other users challenged Kenani directly, asking what exactly made Suleman unfit for the Speaker’s role, with one writing, “Iye watani sangakwanitse chani?”—questioning his alleged shortcomings.
Some comments took a more personal tone, mocking Kenani and suggesting that he was only seeking attention.
A few even warned him that his statements could lead to defamation lawsuits, with one saying, “Mumangidwatu nazo za ma defamation! Wayankhulira kutiko zimenezo, Onjezani?”
Another reader accused Kenani of being immature and not ready for political discourse, saying, “Ana mwachepa mukodza simunati.”
A number of commenters praised former President Peter Mutharika, claiming that he remains a capable and wise leader, with one declaring, “Muthalika saphonyatu.”
Some accused Kenani of rushing to criticize without evidence, writing, “Ndiye mwafulumira kulirakotu.”
Others implied that Kenani might have been financially motivated in making his post, asking bluntly, “Iweyo walandila zingati?”
A more spiritual response came from another user who wrote, “Ambuye akukhululukile,” meaning, “May the Lord forgive you.”
Despite the heated exchanges, some readers appeared confident that the DPP would triumph, remarking, “Muchita manyazitu atawina”—suggesting that Kenani would be embarrassed once Suleman wins.
In closing, one commenter summed up the prevailing sentiment among DPP supporters by asking, “Onjezani Kenani, mwayambamso kujiya ya Kongiresi kodi? MCP never.”
The discussion highlights the deep political polarization that continues to define Malawi’s online spaces, where every statement about national leadership quickly turns into a partisan battlefield.
While Onjezani Kenani’s post sought to question Suleman’s fitness for the Speaker position, it instead ignited a wave of reactions that exposed entrenched loyalties and the intense rivalry between Malawi’s two dominant political camps, the DPP and the MCP.