I’m not bitter, Khumbo warns haters: Malawi VP

State Vice-President Khumbo Kachali on Thursday told a rally in Mzimba that he accepted to be left out as President Joyce Banda’s running mate, saying that he is not irritated with the development but warned haters to stop creating hostility.

Kachali, speaking in Mzimba Solara where President Banda addressed a political rally attended by thousands of people, said he was not dejected with Banda’s decision to opt for youthful Minister of Trade Sosten Gwengwe as her running mate and pledged support to the People’s Party (PP) presidential ticket.

“Your Excellency, be assured of our support here. At any time there is only one leader and this time it is time to rally behind you. People are in love with your leadership,” said the hugely towering Vice President.

Body language tells a story: Kachali and Banda at talking
Body language tells a story: Kachali and Banda  talking

Kachali was seen smiling and having a tête-à-tête to the President at the podium though the body language looked not all is rossy.

He cooled off assertions that he was bitter with the President’s dumping of him.

Nakwiya ine? Nkhuoneka wakukwiya ine anganya? Am I angry? Do I look angry,” asked Kachali.

The Vice President said he was also grateful to President Banda for making him the first ever Vice President from the northern region.

“History has recorded that and it will remain as such and I am grateful to you {President Banda),” he said.

When she unveiled Gwengwe, President Banda said she left out Kachali because their union was a two-year contract to finish former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika’s term.

Kachali nonetheless cautioned his detractors not to create animosity.

He said in local dialect Tumbuka “Uwo wayamba mbembe waji manye nkhongono and Uwo wavika dengere pamoto waji manye mino” literally meaning that one who starts a fight needs to be powerful.

On Tuesday this week Kachali also challenged those fighting him that their schemes will boomerang.

Uwo wakulimbana na Khumbo, Zimu khate yekha” he said at a rally at held at Mzuzu upper stadium on Tuesday.

Kachali also advised his critics and politicians in PP to exercise honest and truth. He did not elaborate but was philosophical: “Chindere chakufikapo China Nyina

In her remarks President Banda assured people in the north of continued development and described the mammoth crowd as “a clear statement of endorsement” to her leadership.

PP provincial chairperson for the North, Reverend Christopher Ngwira, who on Wednesday said at a rally held at Bolero in Rumphi that people in the Northern Region are not angry with Banda’s decision to sideline Kachali on the position of running mate said the VP was not worried with the development.

“People are putting words into our mouths. Is he angry? In fact Kachali is very generous and has always helped us. We know that after May 20 when he ceases to be Veep he will get a pension and associated benefits for life,” Ngwira said.

Speaking earlier Crown Prince Mmbelwa IV in his maiden speech at a public gathering thanked Banda for working with Kachali without hiccups.

He pledged to support JB-Gwengwe ticket, saying “this time is indeed for youth.”

Crowds in Mzimba
Crowds in Mzimba

 

One minute Madam: Mpinganjira impromptly  briefs President Banda
One minute Madam: Mpinganjira impromptly briefs President Banda

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