Citizens for Transformation vows to resist intimidation of Mtambo

Supporters of former minister Timothy Pagonachi Mtambo have hit back at what they call a campaign of “lies, propaganda and intimidation” aimed at destroying his reputation.

In a statement released on Thursday, the opposition-aligned Citizens for Transformation (CFT) dismissed social media claims about Mtambo’s faith and his links to religious figures as “baseless propaganda” designed to discredit him while he is out of the public eye.

The group said recent speculation about possible protests, arrest plans and alleged controversies formed part of a wider effort to undermine the man it calls its “Commander-in-Chief”.

“We wonder what these baseless and malicious campaigns are intended to achieve,” the statement said.

“Is the objective to intimidate our leader, silence our movement or divert public attention from the real challenges facing Malawians?”

CFT said Mtambo remains a committed born-again Christian who respects religious leaders in Malawi and abroad.

It also addressed photographs circulating online that link him to Jesus Nation Church, formerly known as ECG, and its founder, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri.

The statement says the image at the centre of the controversy is an old photograph taken when Mtambo attended the church as a guest of honour while serving as Minister of Civic Education and National Unity.

The movement rejected suggestions that Mtambo’s recent silence signals fear.

Officials said he is on sabbatical leave and remains committed to what they call the Malawi Redemption Project.

“His silence should never be mistaken for fear, intimidation or surrender,” the statement said.

The group accused the current administration of a sustained campaign of political persecution against Mtambo.

It cited the revival of a previously closed legal case, reports of an arrest warrant and what it described as intimidation of members of his family..

CFT vowed to keep challenging what it sees as corruption, tribalism, regionalism and injustice.

“We will not remain silent,” the statement said. “We will stand with our people, defend our principles and resist every attempt to intimidate or silence us.”

The organisation urged journalists to focus on issues affecting ordinary Malawians rather than becoming “instruments of propaganda”, and quoted Psalm 105:15: “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.”

The statement was signed by Kinnear Mlowoka, CFT’s Chief Strategist and Publicity Secretary, who ended: “Aluta continua, victoria acerta.”