Chief Kyungu hopeful no violence in Karonga’s ‘Benghazi’ constituency
Paramount Chief Kyungu of Karonga – the most senior traditional leader in the districts of Karonga and Chitipa – has expressed hope that there will be peace in Karonga Central Constituency which local media branded Benghazi for political violence.
The constituency is home to Malawi’s deputy Finance Minister Dr. Cornelius Mwalwanda and outspoken former People’s Party (PP) deputy general secretary general Frank Mwenifumbo.
Mwenifumbo – an influential member of the ruling PP – was ousted from the party for contravening party statutes when he opted to stand as an independent after losing out to Mwalwanda in primary polls.
But, even before the primaries, supporters for the two were and have remained to be warring parties. They have attacked each other, at times to the extent of burning each other’s houses.
The two have several times been brought together to round table discussions on the matter to no avail.
But in a telephone interview with Nyasa Times, Kyungu said that “our people are mature enough.”
He had earlier refused to comment on the issue saying “I’m not a politician.”
He added: “There is nothing for me to say. I think my concerns on the matter have been adequately advanced by you [in the media].”
Kyungu called for tolerance during the electoral period.
“All our people in Chitipa and Karonga must remain calm for free and fair elections,” he said.