Karonga and Rumphi youths gang against ‘greedy’ MPs: Vow not to follow them in DPP

Hundreds of youths from Rumphi and Karonga the northern districts of Malawi on Tuesday joined together in protesting against their members of Parliament ( MPs) who have shown interest to join or form an alliance with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) amid the problems the country is facing.

The development follows the revelation from the media that some MPs particularly from the former ruling Peoples Party (PP) who include the Rumphi east legislature Kamlepo Kaluwa and Karonga south MP Rev. Malani Mtonga met with President Peter Mutharika on the process.

Speaking at the political rally organized by the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) president Enoch Chihana at Karonga community ground, the group leader Steven Simsokwe said the decision made by such MPs is for their own benefit and not community as well as their supporters.

Simsokwe who is a renowned youth activist in the northern region said the youths have lost trust in such ‘greedy’ MPs.

“We the youths from the north have been and we are suffering a lot in hands of DPP. We voted for the concerned legislatures with the aim that they should fight for our welfare in the Parliament but look what they have done, they have betrayed us for own sake. They should therefore forget our support,” said Simsokwe.

Among the problems the northerners have been and are still suffering in the hands of DPP according to the youths in the north include quota system of selecting public University students, killing of 20 people during the 2011 demonstration, stealing their worth especially from mine industry and insulting them that they will not produce a President.

“Why joining DPP? Are they telling us that they are supporting what the ruling DPP is doing to us? DPP will continue disrespecting us because of these selfish legislatures,” he added.

Simsokwe then urged northerners to have one strong party which will produce its legislatures across the region saying “people in the central region are respected because they have their own party that is MCP, in south is DPP and eastern region is United Democratic Front. We also need to support our own party, AFORD.”

In his remarks, AFORD president Enoch Chihana while welcoming the youths warned to fire all members who wants to sell or brought confusion in the party.

He said the door is open for anyone but urged the new comers to respect the current administration.

“AFORD is the only party that can bail out the problems that northerners are facing. We therefore need to work hand in hand in order to achieve our plan. As a President, I will not entertain anyone who want to sell the party,” he said.

Adding “I am not denying to hold convention as others are saying in the media. But I want us to follow the party’s policy. I am ready to surrender my power to anyone during the convention.”