Zambia’s Rupiah Banda in Malawi as court blocks his presidential comeback bid

Former Zambian president Rupiah Bwenzani Banda on Monday jetted   in the country through Kamuzu International Airport, for what sources say was a “political consultations” trip as his country is set to hold presidential by-elections.

Banda, a guest of President Peter Mutharika,  was given a full  VIP Police escort to Sunbird Capital hotel in Lilongwe.

He is using Malawi government vehicles numbers MG 963 AS and MG 957 AS.

Banda through his security personnel refused to take any questions when approached by Nyasa Times reporter.

His visit comes after Zambia’s Supre Court  has  ordered the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) to reinstate Nevers Mumba as its leader, clearing the way for the former televangelist to run for the presidency in January.

The decision cements Mumba’s position as the party’s leader after its national executive committee suspended him last month. The party had named Banda as its preferred candidate. Banda lost in the 2011 polls.

The death of President Michael Sata this year set off a power struggle in the ruling Patriotic Front and MMD.

Banda  also  visited Malawi in June and commended the country for holding democratic and peaceful elections in May.

During the June visit, Banda said had come to condole the President and his family on the death of the former President Bingu wa Mutharika on April 5 2012.

“After losing the elections in Zambia, I went to the United States of America at Boston College. Therefore, I did not have time to come and condole the President for the loss of his brother,” he said.

Zambia will hold presidential by elections on January 20, 2015.