Malawi’s Peter Mutharika leaves for US ‘to meet Obama’
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) interim president, Professor Peter Mutharika has left the country for United States of America (USA) where he is expected to meet President Barack Obama before proceeding to United Kingdom.
Mutharika left the country through Kamuzu International Airport on Friday morning in a trip described by the party as private. From USA he will proceed to UK where he is reported to have several high profile meetings with UK government officials.
In an interview with Nyasa Times, DPP acting Secretary General, Dr. Allan Chiyembekeza said the DPP 2014 possible presidential candidate has gone on holiday and will be back mid January next year.
“Despite meeting President Obama on invitation, the whole trip is private,” said Chiyembekeza.
“He has taken holiday and will be back in the country in two to three weeks time. From USA he will proceed to UK. But he will be mixing holiday with work as there are other official engagements to take care off while abroad,” said Chiyembekeza.
Chiyembekeza dismissed “propaganda” reports gone viral on internet that Mutharika was running away from party obligations and has left for United States to renew his citizenship, and attend interviews in one of law firms.
“Its holiday season, and just like everybody else he is entitled to a holiday as well. The party secretariat will be in control of all affairs while he is abroad. This is just a private trip and no need for people to gossip about it,” said Chiyembekeza who refused to disclose when Mutharika will meet Obama.
Reports suggest that Mutharika has left for US and UK to strengthen the party’s oversea’s support while sourcing for 2014 tripartite elections campaign funding.
Mutharika is tipped to lead DPP in the 2014 elections with party yet to hold its convention slated for April 17-19 next year to elect eligible executive committee.
Meanwhile, the race for the presidential seat is becoming intense following reports that the Speaker of Parliament and DPP member, Henry Chimunthu Banda as well as Henry Mussa are set to compete with Mutharika for the position.
Professor Peter Mutharika, was two weeks ago, tipped to be a likely winner, if elections are to be held today, in a survey conducted by Nation on Sunday newspaper followed by UDF president, Atupele Muluzi and then distant third the incumbent, Joyce Banda.
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