Khumbo rejoins DPP: ‘Mutharika don’t forget us northerners when you win’
State Vice president Khumbo Kachali on Monday formally announced that he re- joined Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) when he attended and spoke at a rally organised by the party’s leader Peter Mutharika in Mzimba.
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 appeared before a sizeable crowd at a DPP rally which was attended among others Mutharika’s runng mate Saulos Chilima, former finance minister Goodall Gondwe, former first lady Callista Mutharika and Professor Peter Mwanza among other DPP top officials.
“I am here to answer your questions,” said Kachali when he took to the podium.
“ You have been asking me where do we go from here? Who do we vote for? Who loves the north? In 2004 I asked you to vote for Bingu wa Mutharika, today I am asking you again to vote for Professor Peter Mutharika as president,” he said and shouted DPP slogan also raising a figure up in support of the party – “Chala mwamba!”
.”I know you might be asking why I’ve come back to DPP after they chased me. Those who rejected me have also rejected you (Northerners),” he said.
Adding: “ I know DPP might have wronged us (Northerners) and so did the previous parties including this one (referring to PP).”.
Kachali issued a stern warning to Mutharika against ‘dumping’ northerners after elections.
“Don’t forget us after we usher you into power,” he said.
Kachali said he decided to go back to DPP after a huge amount of thought carefully scrutinising all the 12 presidential candidates, saying he found Mutharika as the only candidate who can develop the Northern Region.
His emphasis was on northern region and visibly charged up said the pp is finished, claiming it has failed to inspire voters and has nothing to offer.
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.
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