Khumbo for DPP: To join Mutharika campaign trail
President of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Peter Mutharika has been engaged in talks to bring President Joyce Banda’s want-away deputy Khumbo Kachali back in the former ruling party and is set to officially join DPP in Mzimba on Monday at a public rally, Nyasa Times can exclusively reveal.
The rally to renew Kachali’s DPP’s membership will be held at Mzimba Boma and DPP president Mutharika will be there with former finance minister Goodall Gondwe.
Kachali last week informed President Banda that he has resigned from People’s Party (PP) where he served as vice-president, but remains State Vice-President.
He is expected to join the DPP electoral campaign in the remaining days before polling next Tuesday. Official campaign closes on Saturday midnight.
DPP secretary general Dr Jean Kalilani confirmed the Mzimba rally, saying “we will be unveiling one of our big catches, there are more.”
Banda left out Kachali as a running mate and opted for Industry and Trade Minister Sosten Gwengwe. Kachali described Banda’s move as a vote of no confidence in him.
President Banda and Kachali were expelled from DPP in December 2010 for allegedly forming parallel party structures. However, the two were on record as having said their dismissal was because they refused to back moves for Peter Mutharika to dynasties DPP which eventually happened after the death of his brother leader Bingu wa Mutharika in 2012.
In April 2012, Banda ascended to the presidency in line with constitutional order after the death of Bingu and picked Kachali as her Vice-President – to complete the two years – a contract the President alludes to.
Kachali’s re-joining of DPP ends days of speculation of his next political move after the MCP reportedly rebuffed his overtures.
MCP said it did not need recycled politicians among its ranks.
