Former president Peter Mutharika has hinted that he will contest in the September 2025 presidential election to bail Malawians out of current problems.
Recently, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) National Governing Council members have been pressing the party leader to represent the party in the forthcoming presidential election.
Speaking on Sunday during the Mulhako wa Alhomwe cultural event held at Chonde in Mulanje District, Mutharika bemoaned challenges that Malawians are facing.
“I will address the problems once back in power in 2025,” Mutharika said.
On problems such as fuel and forex shortage, the DPP leader faulted Malawians for chosing wrongly in the June 20 2020 court-ordered presidential election.
“Amalawi kusamva [Malawians learn things the hard way] .During the last elections, I repeatedly reminded you that you had a chance to vote for development or challenges,” he said.
Mutharika, who is also the patron of Mulhako wa Alhomwe, reiterated that he would fix the challenges himself.
According to Mutharika, the Tonse Alliance-led administration is failing Malawians, citing the rising cost of goods and fuel shortage.
Mutharika also promised to fix differences that have been rocking the party.
“We are soon going to be united in DPP,” Mutharika said.
On unity, Mutharika urged Lhomwe people to continue coexisting with people of other ethnic groups.
Mulhako wa Alhomwe Chief Executive Officer Pius Mvenya said the event, which started with prayers for Tropical Cyclone Freddy survivors on Thursday, was a success.
“We managed to reach out to survivors of Cyclone Freddy with various items and we will continue doing so so that those that were affected by the cyclone are given the necessary items,” he said.
Mvenya appealed to other well-wishers to assist those in need.
Mvenya said the heritage organisation intends to introduce Mulhako wa Alhomwe Trust Fund to help needy learners to continue with their education.
However, Paramount Chief Kaduya said this year’s event has not been up to their expectations because of loss of lives during Cyclone Freddy.
“Some of our friends are not here after succumbing to death due to cyclone-induced floods. I would like to propose a day where we all can come together in prayer for those who died during the disaster,” she said.
Kaduya also urged chiefs and parents to encourage their children to go to school, refrain from employing under-age people and discourage child marriages.
The event was held under the theme ‘Our Cultural Heritage, Our Responsibility.
Some of the people that attended the event are former United Democratic Front president Atupele Muluzi, DPP Eastern Region vice president Bright Msaka, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Kondwani Nankhumwa, party secretary general Grezelder Jeffrey and former Finance minister Joseph Mwanamvekha.
