Malawi govt opts for Nankhumwa as caretaker Leader of the House

Malawi government is putting forward Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Kondwani Nankhumwa as caretaker Leader of Government Business in the National Assembly as Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development George Chaponda is suspended by High Court from executing his duties until a probe into the Zambia maize saga is concluded.

The Commission, led by Retired Chief Justice Anastazia Msosa, is expected to present a final report and findings to President Peter Mutharika on February 9 2017.

Parliament starts meeting this Monday for a midyear budget review meeting.

Nankhumwa said he is “honoured” to be taking on the role of House Leader, saying he used to working constructively with Members of Parliament from all parties.

But Nankhumwa, who is also Mulanje Central Member of Parliament, is facing questions after donating in his constituency K23 million worth of items including an ambulance to Mulanje District Hospital, 300 bicycles and two motorbikes to Mulanje Police Station.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) recently summoned   Nankhumwa and they questioned him on matters in relation to the donations he made to his constituency recently.

He defended himself that the ambulance was bought from the United Kingdom for K2.7 million through a friend. He also said he saved for a long time for the bicycles that cost him K10 million.

The whistle blowers are still keen to tip the graft-busting body on alleged wrongful self-enrichment of Nankhumwa who is one of top five cash-rich ministers.

A Malawian government minister earns around K1.2 million.