Malawi Govt challenges Kamlepo to give evidence on K3b vehicle purchase

Government has asked Rumphi East MP, Kamlepo Kalua to produce evidence that the Peter Mutharika administration has bought vehicles worth K3 billion for the President and other government top officials amid economic problems the country is going through.

Kamlepo alleged in parliament on Monday that the government bought 14 vehicles for State House, two for vice president, 10 for PSs and 30 for other government officials when the government cannot afford to hire doctors and other health workers and public health services have virtually collapsed so too other public services as the economy takes unprecedented downward dip.

But minister of Information Jappie Mhango said the statement by Kalua in Parliament was “mere propaganda” as government has not procured any vehicles and asked the MP to produce evidence.

“The government only purchased police vehicles which are critical for the country’s security, to fight crime,” he said.

Kalua in his contribution to the State Opening of Parliament Address made by President Peter Mutharika on Friday, accused the government of turning a blind eye to its own extravagance through the purchase of vehicles he claimed were worth K4 billion ($7,142,857).

He claimed that the Executive had spent K650 million to buy top-of-the-range Toyota Prado VX models for the presidential convoy and four Toyota Landcruiser V8 models for the Vice-President.

Kalua also alleged that the Executive bought 10 Toyota Prados for senior officials and 30 vehicles of a similar make for principal secretaries in government.

“ If they want evidence, I have it including chassis numbers,” Kalua said.