Ex-MP Luka dump DPP in Zomba, join UTM with hundreds of supporters

Former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Member of Parliament for Zomba Lisanjala Constituency Enock Elias Luka  together with hundreds of supporters  have dumped the governing party and joined UTM led by the country’s estranged vice-preisdent Saulos Chilima.

Luka and the other DPP members were welcomed by UTM secretary general Patricia Kaliati at Gymkhana club where Chilima held a campaign rally on Saturday.

In his speech, Luka said he has joined UTM because they do not see future in DPP and that Tonse alliance is likely to win the fresh elections.

He said people in his area have been victimised by DPP and have decided to join UTM “to find peace”.

Speaking earlier, DPP former vice president for Esatern Region,  Yunus Mussa condenmed continued violence by DPP in Eastern region and Zomba in particular.

He said DPP is blocking Tonse alliance to conduct rallies in Zomba.

” They have been blocking roads stopping us from conducting rallies here in Zomba. They smashed my vehicle and another beloning to PP. Let us revenge by voting them out of government,” said Mussa.

Mussa, a former MP for Zomba Central,  further said DPP and UDF planned to use violence in Phalombe and Machinga to kill Chilima.

“We are very disappointed that they are planning to kill our leader Chilima and other party leaders by deliberately sponsoring violence in places where UTM leaders are conducting campaign meetings,” said Mussa.

He said DPP/UDF are dividding the country on tribal and religious lines.

” There are moslems and christians in eastern region and we live in harmony. Noone should be allowed to divide us using religion. We are one people,” said Mussa who served in DPP for 15 years.

Mussa urged politicians to desist from using religion as a campaign weapon.