Mcheka blocks MP’s statement on Jappie funeral saga

Dowa East MP Richard Chimwendo Banda’s desperate attempt to inform parliament on Tuesday of the plight of deceased MP children in Rumphi who are to spend another night in police cell, hit a snag as deputy first speaker Esther Mcheka Chilenje told him to follow parliamentary procedures.

This is the second time that Chirimwendo Banda, chairman of parliamentary Social and Community Affairs took to the floor to tell the House how Minister of Information Jappie Mhango ordered the police to lock up three children of his former political rival Tasoka Msiska, just a week after his death.

Chilenje told Chirimwendo Banda to follow parliamentary procedures and standing order before bringing the matter of urgency for debate in the House.

On Monday, Speaker Richard Msowoya told him the same to follow parliamentary procedures.

In an interview, spokesman for the family of late Msiska, Collins Msiska said the police arrested the former MP’s son Christopher and his three cousins Macdonald Msiska, Adrian Msiska and Harris Msiska.

Collins Msiska said the suspects have since been charged with conduct likely to cause breach of peace at the funeral.

He said the family simply told the minister to leave the place because it was an insult that when Tasoka was alive, he was not in good books with Mhango yet the minister wanted to “shed crocodile tears” at the funeral.

Police spokesman in Rumphi confirmed the arrest but refused to comment although some police officers said in secret the arrest was ordered by Mhango.

Mhango floored Tasoka in the 2014 parliamentary elections.