‘I can take down DPP’: Gloves off as Ben Chiza, Mutharika aides square up

Social and political activist Ben Chiza Mkandawire who has been in the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) fold  took off the gloves on Tuesday in his upstart challenge to the the ruling elite that he can “take down” DPP government.

Chiza Mkandawire  gave his hard rhetorical punch to President Peter Mutharika’s trusted aides Ben Phiri and Madalitso Martin Nkasala on social media  after he was smeared on Malawi Independent, an alleged propaganda tool of the regime.

Taking it on his Facebook timeline, Mkandawire posted: “I want to know who owns Malawi Independent, the names that have come up are those of my two friends Ben Phiri and Madalitso Martin Nkasala.

“I have confronted Nkasala to tell me who owns these Facebook pages that are character assassinating people who have disagreed with DPP and he denied knowing of it.

“So I will take his word but with a warning. I can take down DPP myself singlehandedly, I can go after Peter Mutharika so bad you will not stop me. But I have maintained my respect for the man because of our friendship. And it will stay that way.

“Your name and your brothers name continue to show up as I search for idiots writing lies and attacking innocent women I will meet you in person. Do not push me. Consider this a warning,” wrote Mkandawire.

Apparently, his spouse Manganaye Kambauwa a business lady was subject of the propaganda pages smear bordering on social woes.

A close pal to Chiza Mkandawire in Lilongwe said the regime propaganda machinery was all out to smear him over matters  dealing with deal gone sour.

But Mkandawire said there is  more than meets eye.

“This is politically motivated. There is all politics in this as we run up to 2019 presidential elections,” he said but could not elabolate.

Meanwhile, a letter leaked from First Lady Gertrude Mutharika’s charity organisation,Beautify Malawi (Beam) Trust  which indicated that while Chiza Mkandawire was working at Hamra Oil Holdings as CEO, the First Lady asked for financial assistance.

It is said that Chiza released over K20 million and money was being shared among the officials of the Trust.

The First Lady had said in the letter seen by Nyasa Times that assistance should be channelled through presidential chief economic and special adviser Dr. Collins Magalasi  vice board chairperson of the trust or Chimango Chirwa,  Mayamiko Mwinjilo, Chairperson of Finance and Fundraising Sub-Committee  or Mrs. Nazma Ismail, Board Member.

Apparently after noting that money from Hamra was being deposited in personal accounts, Chiza stopped any donations from Hamra to Beam which triggered the souring of relations with the powers that be.

Chiza Mkandawire refused to comment on the matter but said he has a what it takes to bring down the DPP government, threatening to expose the dirt in the system.

First Lady established Beam to encourage Malawians to work towards making the country cleaner and healthier.