Minister Kasaila says Chakwera should be probed on his mansion: Opposition MPs on financial crimes

Minister of Foreign Affairs and ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) publicity secretary Francis Kasaila has called for investigations into president of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Lazarus Chakwera on the construction of his personal mansion in Lilongwe and other opposition lawmakers, saying they may be involved in financial crimes.

Chakwera’s mansion sits on a 5-acre land in an exclusive suburb of Area 6 in Lilongwe.

“The mansion which Chakwera is constructing is worth K300 million,” said Kasaila.

Speaking on Capital FM Straight Talk programme monitored by Nyasa Times on Nkhani Digest YouTube channel, Kasaila said Chakwera should be also be investigated on the source of his money.

“We hope that the people will be fair with everybody,” said Kasaila.

According to sources who took pictures from all angles, the mansion has close to 15 rooms excluding spaces for kitchens, bathrooms and storerooms. It also has got 6 staff houses.

The politician-cum-pastor has managed to construct the mansion all in a space of one year which Kasaila said raises more eyebrows on his dealings.

Kasaila condemned the opposition for generalising that the government is blended with all thieves, saying some opposition lawmakers have questionable obscene worth.

“We have seen MPs from opposition buying expensive cars, other building mansions,” pointed out Kasaila.

“All of us are in government including the opposition,” said Kasaila, arguing that the opposition also are paid by government the same as ministers.

“We should also question how are they using those resources, it could be they are abusing those resources,” said Kasaila.

He branded opposition members calling for government to resign as “desperate politicians.”

But party administrative secretary Portipher Chidaya said MCP detractors “are all out fishing on anything that could dent Chakwera’s image,” saying “unfortunately they will not succeed.”