Activist Kapito says demo does not make sense: Malawi CSO’s say ‘red’ for protests

One of Malawi’s renowned civil and consumer rights activist John Kapito has rubbished the demonstrations being organised by his fellow civil society organisation members describing them as narrow focused and that do not make much sense.

The demonstrations being led by Human Rights Consultative Committee targets the country’s First Lady Gertrude Mutharika whose Beautify Malawi Trust (BEAM) is being accused of bulldozing its way to get a K5 million grant from the National Aids Commission (NAC).

Other body targeted are the tribal grouping Mulhakho wa Alhomwe whose patron is the country’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika. The grouping is also said to have benefitted from NAC finds.

However, in an interview Kapito said it was doubtful that the demonstrations would yield desired results as they are targeting wrong people.

Kapito, who in the past has been in the forefront organising such demonstrations at times singlehandedly said this time he will not be part of the ‘circus’.

“This is like targeting a single fly or mosquito instead of dealing with the source of the flies or mosquitoes to deal with the for once and ever. If you ask me these demonstrations could have targeted NAC and I would have been more than willing to join my colleagues,” said Kapito.

He also said it is unwise for the organisers to include the current cashgate issue saying that people including himself already demonstrated on this and action was taken followed by arrests of several government officers.

During a press briefing in Lilongwe on Monday CHRR Executive Director Timonthy Mtambo announced that the demonstrations are going ahead despite some of the activists having a different view.

Apart from BEAM the activists have included deteriorating state of governance and socio-economic living conditions in Malawi as part of their petition to government.

The following are the routes agreed by both CSOs and Malawi Police Service for the demonstrations:

LILONGWE: Kamuzu Central Hospital Roundabout via Lingadzi Roundabout via NAC offices via Parliament then deliver the petition at the Civic Offices.

MZUZU: Katoto via Mzuzu Clock Tower via Mzuzu High Court roundabout and then deliver the petition at Civic offices;

ZOMBA: Community ground via Mponda School then Zomba district assembly to deliver the petition;

KARONGA: Karonga roundabout then direct to Karonga district assembly to deliver the petition;

BLANTYRE: Upper Stadium via High Way and then deliver the petition at the CIVIC Offices.