Assaulted MCP ward councillor Kadammanja recounts ordeal

Richard Kadammanja, a Salima Malawi Congress Party (MCP) ward councillor who was beaten by the party’s youth on allegations that he is sympathizer to ousted Salima Central parliamentarian, Felix Jumbe, has recounted his ordeal saying much as what happened was unfortunate, he loves the party and remains its die-hard member.

Kadammanja was literally beaten up as they waited for the arrival of Lazarus Chakwera – the party’s leader – at Nsalura in the district.

The churchman-turned-politician was in the district to grace the induction of Reverend Dr. Katani of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) who is now resident pastor of Nsalura CCAP Church.

According to Kadammanja, he was asked to leave the premises by the youth despite being a bonafide member of the party.

“They came from nowhere as I was talking to some friends while waiting for Pres [Lazarus] Chakwera. They called me supporter of Kholokolo [meaning Felix Jumbe] and started hauling insults on me,” narrated Kadammanja.

He added: “My friends moved away from me and the youth descended on me to beat me up, tearing my clothes in the process.”

Kadammanja was treated as an out-patient at Salima District Hospital. He said he still loves the MCP.

“I still love the party, and I can’t say a thing until I meet the party officials. But the act was bad and shameful,” he said.

Kadammanja was very outspoken during the time Jumbe was tussling with Chakwera in favour of the fired parliamentarian. This did not amuse many and the regional committee that he was disciplined.

His beating would be seen to many as a result of his support for Jumbe hence the Kholokolo jibe when he was parking his vehicle.

Currently the issue is in the hands of the police but no one has been arrested in connection to the incide