I saved DPP from extinction, claims Wakuda
Malawi’s former secretary general for the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Elias Wakuda Kamanga says his main contribution to his former party was when he saved it from facing extinction following the death of its leader Bingu wa Mutharika.
Wakuda Kamanga told private radio ZBS in Tiuzeni Zoona interview program aired on Sunday that while he has no regrets jumping the DPP ship, he remains very satisfied with what he did by steering the troubled ship and saved it from submerging.
“One thing I will always cherish as my achievement in DPP is that I saved the party from extinction, it was one of my toughest jobs to do but I tried in my capacity as secretary general to keep the party floating.
“The most painful moment was when I heard that our president had died, he was a brother, friend and my boss at the same time, so I was devastated with his sudden demise,” said Kamanga who recently announced his defection to the ruling Peoples Party (PP).
Asked by presenter of the program Pililani Phiri on whether the once most powerful man in DPP regrets his decision to defect to the ruling party, Wakuda was quick to point out that he did not defect instead he resigned.
“Let me make it crystal clear that my decision to quit DPP was based on principle. I called for a meeting where almost all senior party officials were present and I then tendered my resignation, so as far as I’m concerned I did resign and later joined the PP, to me that’s not defection,” clarified Kamanga.
Also commenting on the issue in the same program, DPP spokesperson Nicholus Dausi told the host of the program that his party wishes the former secretary general what he called a flourishing political career.
Dausi however refused to speculate on the reasons that led to the departure of Kamanga.
“Do you want me to be speculating? Why can’t you simply ask him why he has resigned? Anyway the party is wishing him all the best as he embarks on new journey of his political career.
“DPP will move on just like MCP or UDF did after resignations of senior members soon after falling from government, that is normal in democratic dispensation,” explained Dausi.
On his part, governing PP spokesperson Hophmally Makande, who also featured in the program, said his party is flexible to work with any politician who wishes to assist in development of the country for the sake of national building.
Wakuda Kamanga announced his resignation from DPP barely a day after the October 9 Mzimba by-election results were released where the former ruling party performed dismally.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
