DPP brands its MP Kunkuyu ‘a criminal’

Malawi’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has publicly alleged that one of its own Members of Parliament, Moses Kunkuyu, is a criminal.

The youthful and valiant Blantyre City South legislator fell out of grace with his party a few months ago after openly criticizing its leadership and the policies being applied.

His relationship was further spoiled after he announced the formation of a faction called Hope Alliance which he claims has over 30 DPP lawmakers who want to bring change and hope into the party ahead of the 2014 presidential polls.

“This young man [Kunkuyu] is a crook. He is someone who just wants to seek sympathy from people who he shamelessly dumps later. So from today never mind about him, he no longer represents you here,” DPP Secretary General Wakuda Kamanga said at Zingwangwa ADMARC in Blantyre where he, together with some senior party officials, organised a political rally.

Kunkuyu: I am still DPP, fighting within

The public rally was organised by a high-powered party machinery that included, among others, First Vice President Goodal Gondwe, estranged Regional Governor Noel Masangwi and Kamanga.

“People here [Blantyre City South constituency] knew way back that he is a crook. Do you remember what he did during the DPP primaries? He went into hiding when he realized he could not triumph and lied to the public that he had been abducted by DPP members,” alleged Kamanga.

The senior DPP officials also swallowed their pride and apologised to the constituents for manipulating them to embrace the legislator into the party’s family.

The 32-year-old Kunkuyu won the parliamentary seat for the area as an independent candidate before joining the ruling party.

“We goofed for allowing him to be part of our DPP family because he has proved to be not. We apologise for bringing you this man,” said Kamanga.

Added Kamanga: “He approached us saying he could not manage the constituency on his own and wanted to work with us so we welcomed him not exactly knowing his colours.”

But Joyce Machelo, a Zingwangwa based hawker, scoffed at Kamanga’s sentiments saying his comments only indicates that the party tolerates hooliganism.

“If they knew he was a criminal why did they welcome him?” she queried, “then it clearly shows the DPP promotes and sponsors criminals. They should not attack him now because he is against their oppressive policies.”

Kamanga said Kunkuyu’s departure from the DPP is a blessing in disguise as that will now make development projects flow into the constituency.

Other people who spoke during the meeting included Gondwe, the constituency governor for the area and the Blantyre District governor.

During the meeting, the party gurus also donated a party vehicle (Toyota pickup) to constituency governor so that “he is able to handle the affairs of the constituency with easiness.”

The DPP first vice president, who is also Energy and Environment Minister, was the guest of honour and also took time attacking Kunkuyu saying it was the first time he got a report on party affairs and people’s requirements for Blantyre City South constituency since the 2009 elections.

However, Kunkuyu insists he is still a member of the DPP and his connection to the Hope Alliance does not mean he has quit the party.

“I am still a member of the DPP just like all other MPs.  The Hope Alliance is a group within the party to fight for good governance and bring hope to Malawians, period,” Kunkuyu told Nyasa Times on Wednesday.

There has been a growing rebellion in the ruling party since the 2009 elections following the hand-picking of President Mutharika’s brother, Peter, as the presidential candidate for the 2014 polls, among other thorny issues.

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