Lazarus Chakwera says arrests have united MCP
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera says the arrest of the party’s three officials has united the party and given it impetus to continue with its agenda of setting Malawians free from the bondage of poverty.
Chakwera said this in an exclusive interview on Thursday.
Last week, the police arrested Jessie Kabwila, Lewis Chakwantha and Ulemu Msungama for suspected treason.
Chakwera said MCP will not be intimidated by the arrests but rather help it in its rebranding exercise.
He also hailed the solidarity shown from other political parties in the opposition.
“It has come clear that nothing is going to divide us. I am also pleased because of the solidarity that came from members from other parties who serve Malawians together with us in the opposition.
“We have stated that we will continue with our agenda which is to build, rebrand and refocus our party. We will not be distracted from such an agenda,” said Chakwera.
Chakwera, however, condemned the arrests and accused the police of not following procedures.
“It is clear that procedures were not followed. And our concern is that in matters of governance we must be seen to follow the law in the spirit in which it was given because matters of justice are matters not just seeming but being,” said Chakwera.
The three were arrested for treason but Inspector General of Police Lexten Kachama said on Wednesday that the police had no evidence yet to link the three to treason, hence were simply cautioned and not formally charged.
Legal experts have faulted the police for changing the charges from sedition to treason arguing that such changes confuse the suspects.
Chancellor College law expert Edge Kanyongolo said before arresting somebody, police must properly inform the suspect on the reasons for the arrest.
Asked to comment on why he is quiet on the blunders committed by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, Chakwera said many experts have offered suggestions and solutions to the current economic challenges in the country but there was no political will to deal with such problems.
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