Mutharika repeats claims he fled Malawi because of MCP persecution

President Peter Mutharika has repeated claims that he ran away from the country because of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) atrocities in one party dictatorship.

His earlier claim on the issue when he officially opened the Mzuzu-NKhata Bay road, was trashed by historians and other section of the society.

His critics referred to writings by his blood brother, the late president Bingu wa Mutharika, who said they left the country seeking education and economic fortunes.

But speaking during the opening of the tobacco marketing season at Kanengo in Lilongwe, Mutharika said the MCP is a party of  blood and crocodiles.

He said:“I fled the country because of MCP persecution.

“ This [MCP] is a party that has killed a lot of people, this is a party of murderers, this is a party of crocodiles, this is a party which foolishly opposes everything,” he said to the applause of his party supporters clad in Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regalia.

Mutharika said he sought refuge in Tanzania where he said he was warmly welcomed.

Tanzania leader John Magufuli and his wife Janeth Magufuli, who were present during the function, just looked on.

“In fact, I was a university lecturer there for many years,” said Mutharika.

There was no immediate comment from MCP but party president Lazarus Chakwera, who in the past apologized for the MCP atrocities, has always said the party has now rebranded, saying those who committed atrocities are no longer with the party.