DPP, UDF supporters clash, defy Muluzi and Nankhumwa unity call – Report

Supporters of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and it’s political partner the United Democratic front (UDF ) on Thursday engaged in scatching verbal attacks in Mangochi , it has been reported.

The Nation newspaper reports that this happened after UDF president Atupele Muluzi , who is also the Minister of Lands , Housing and Urban Development and minister of Local government and rural development Kondwani Nankhumwa –DPP – presided over the launch of the Descent and Affordable Housing Programme in Mangochi and  the two ministers  dressed at Mchoka Primary school ground which attracted supporters from parties.

The UDF and DPP supporters kept on taunting each other and singing disparaging songs.

Nankhumwa’s attempt to appeal for unity failed in deaf ears.

He said President Peter Mutharika wants Malawians to remain united to foster socio economic development in the country hence the working relationship between DPP and UDF .

“ You all know that I am a DPP member and honourable Muluzi is UDF but we are all working under the leadership of President Muntharika . We encourage you also to work together.  And because of that I could have loved if you could stayed together here, ” said Nankhumwa .

The supporters did not listen to Nankhumwa at all.

Muluzi also called upon all Malawians to remain united item despite political affiliation , saying 51 years after independence , there is no need for the country to be divided .

But when UDF supporters stood to sing between Muluzi’s speech , DPP supporters also stood and started sing songs in praise of Mutharika

Noticing danger, Muluzi quelled the tension with some jokes .

Since UDF and DPP announced their working relationship,  there has been a lot of discontent among supporters from  both camps , especially in the eastern region, a thing senior officials from both parties describe as normal considering that not all people can accept change .