UTM says it is planning to co-opt party heavyweights that lost or did not get positions at the party’s recent elective convention held in Mzuzu City.
Some of the senior party members who did not make it after expressing interest in the presidential position include former secretary general Patricia Kaliati, Newton Kambala and Mathews Mtumbuka.
Others are Noel Masangwi, who contested on the deputy president position, and Joseph Chidanti Malunga, whose ambition to become secretary general was thwarted by Willet Kalonga.
UTM publicity secretary Felix Njawala told The Daily Times that the party could not afford to lose them, describing them as “powerful people”.
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Njawala said the members were still UTM, such that the party expected them to orchestrate its victory in the September 16 2025 Local Government, Parliamentary and Presidential Elections.
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“They are all UTM and very powerful in the country. We will do all we can to accommodate everybody. The president is working on it,” Njawala said.
One of the founding members, Chidanti Malunga, said he was not looking for any position.
He was he was interested in rebuilding the party.
“The convention is over. It is time to rebuild the party and not build a position. I am not looking for positions. I will serve the party that I helped found,” Chidanti Malunga said.
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Meanwhile, Mzuzu University-based political analyst and historian Chrispine Mphande has said the idea is good but was quick to point out its impracticality.
“Kabambe will need these senior members because they have experience in politics, particularly on the running of UTM affairs.
“However, practically, it is not doubtful if these politicians may decide to forget about the convention outcome and start working for the party, “Mphande said.
