Kamlepo clashes with Speaker: Claims Malawi leader gave cash handouts to MPs to pass budget

An uncompromising Rumphi east MP Kamlepo Kalua on Monday lost his cool, accusing Speaker Richard Msowoya of increasing gagging members of parliament from expressing themselves.

This was after Msowoya wanted to curtail debate on a Trade and Industry bill although a dozen legislators wanted to contribute to the debate of the bill.

“I can’t be party to this, I fought hard for the democracy of this country,” said the firebrand outspoken veteran politician who usually takes on the government legislators and its leadership in the 193 strong House.

He said there was no longer democracy in the House as the Speaker gags members of parliament when they want to speak their mind.

However, Msowoya said the fact that Kalua was able to speak like that means he was enjoying unlimited freedom and democracy in the Chamber.

“We can’t allow people to bring anarchy in the House because they brought democracy in the country,” Msowoya hit back at Kalua.

The whole thing started when Kalua described the mid-year budget which parliament approved on Friday as a corrupt budget alleging ruling Democratic Progressive Party  (DPP) legislators along with United Democratic Front  (UDF) and some independent MPs were called to State House where they pocked K100, 000 each to approve the budget.

“I urge the IMF not to recognise such a budget,” said Kalua.

However,  Leader of the House Francis Kasaira said as a party and government in parliament, it is free to hold a parliamentary caucus with its alliance partner UDF at State House or elsewhere.

Msowoya on the other hand said Kalua has not brought evidence on the matter, the issue remains a rumour and whisper and ruled Kalua out of order.

Salima north west MP Jessie Kabwila was also ruled out of order when she pressed Kasaira to say whether they received money from Mutharika or not to approve the budget.