Chimunthu uder investigations over diverting Parliament’s house to his benefit

Former Speaker of Parliament Henry Chimunthu Banda who is now the sitting member of parliament for  Nkhotakota North Constituency ( Democratic Progressive Party  -DPP) is under investigations by the Office of the Ombudmasn for allegedly diverting an official Speaker’s residence project to his personal benefit.

The Ombudsman received a complaint on the matter and has instituted preliminary investigations over the matter.

The house located in Area 10 low density residential estate is said to have been part of the New Parliament Building Project package by the Chinese government.

However, Chimunthu Banda has claimed that his conscious is clear and denies any wrongdoing.

The former Speaker said he will cooperate with the Ombudsman in their investigations, stressing  he is innocent and could not dignify “blatant falsehood” with his comment.

Given that President Peter Mutharika is in his final mandatory term and DPP will be picking its presidential candidate for 2024 elections, Chimunthu Banda is among prominent politicians who can be considered to succeed the incumbent.

If found to be in the wrong in the matter, this could affect his chances of throwing his name in the ring for succession battle.

In 2013, Chimunthu Banda  contested for the leadership of DPP and lost to President Peter Mutharika ahead of the 2014 Tripartite Elections.