MCP rebuffs Malawi VP Kachali: ‘We’re no party for rejects’
Embattled State Vice President Khumbo Hastings Kachali saw the world crumbling before him when he was told an impromptu Malawi Congress Party (MCP) national executive committee meeting last Friday had turned down his political overtures to join the oldest political party in Malawi.
President Joyce Banda, who is also PP’s presidential candidate in the May 20, 2014 Tripartite Elections, unveiled Industry and Trade Minister Sosten Gwengwe as her running mate for during the polls instead of Kachali.
Apparently, Kachali is disillusioned by the President’s decision. Constituents in his Mzimba South West, where he is contesting as MP, have confided in Nyasa Times the VP has no kind words for the Head of State for her decision to ignore him as running mate.
Meanwhile, a hurriedly convened MCP NEC meeting held at its Headquarters in City Centre, Lilongwe, to discuss the possible unveiling of Kachali as member of the party ended in disagreement on the move.
The meeting was held ahead on MCP’s Masintha rally held on Saturday at Masintha Ground in the capital where its May 20, 2014 tripartite elections manifesto was officially launched. Kachali was expected to be unveiled at that meeting
According to a NEC member who formed part of the meeting at City Centre, the agenda was to discuss Kachali’s intended joining of the party as introduced by the party’s President and torchbearer in the presidential polls, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.
“The meeting was divided; others felt as a purportedly democratic party, they ought to practice politics of inclusivity but many others felt that the party ought to tread carefully when admitting members that may have been disgruntled elsewhere.
“The latter group felt that such members may not be driven by genuine love for the party and what it stands for but mere frustrations and emotions,” said the NEC member who opted for anonymity.
Kachali told a daily last week that his recent ‘no-show’ at public events presided of the Head of State was due reasons, which were “personal”.
He insisted in an interview that the decision by President Banda was “ a vote of no confidence” in him.
On why she did not pick Kachali who is also first President of the ruling PP, President Banda said she had an agreement with Kachali to serve together for two years.
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