By Pemphero Malimba:
Tourism Minister Vera Kamtukule Wednesday dumped UTM Party and joined the governing Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
Kamtukule was unveiled by MCP secretary general Eisenhower Mkaka at a press briefing held at the party’s headquarters in Lilongwe.
She said she had joined the party after consulting on the issue.
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“To reach this decision, you should know that it was a 360 [degree] decision. I have taken a lot of time and prayers to ensure that we are here,” she said.
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Kamtukule said her aim was to help President Lazarus Chakwera get re-elected in the September 16 2025 presidential election.
“The plans are to ensure that President Lazarus Chakwera takes over the government again in 2025,” she said.
Kamtukule added that she was not joining the party to strengthen her chances of remaining in Cabinet.
On his part, Mkaka said the arrival of new members in the party is a manifestation of MCP’s growing popularity.
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“This speaks of one thing; Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s popularity and that of the party are growing every day. People are seeing more reasons to join the party and join Dr Lazarus Chakwera in his effort to develop this country,” he said.
Mkaka said they were expecting more people to join the party.
“Just yesterday, we were receiving into the party the deputy director of legal affairs in DPP (Democratic Progressive Party), counsel Oscar Taulo. Days prior to that, we received a councillor who won on DPP ticket in Salima. There are many more people we have received into the party, with more people about to join,” Mkaka said.
UTM secretary general Patricia Kaliati said the move is an indication that Kamtukule has been a member of MCP all along.
“This is just confirmation to you that she is MCP. She was already MCP and there is nothing we, as UTM, can say on that,” Kaliati said.
Meanwhile Political and governance analyst George Chaima has said the departure of Kamtukule from UTM is not a surprise considering the current state of affairs in the party.
“Instead of contributing to the improvement of State affairs, they are busy fighting the same government they were part of. If this continues, many people are going to leave UTM and choose to join the government of the day through MCP,” Chaima said.
