Mpinganjira accuses DPP of secretly promoting homosexuality
Firebrand politician Brown Mpinganjira has challenged the former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to explain to Malawians why its leader late Bingu wa Mutharika pardoned two gay convicts Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steve Monjeza, accusing the party of secretly promoting homosexuality.
The two became an international cause celebre after being jailed 14 years for after being convicted of gross indecency and unnatural acts when they celebrated the first ever gay engagement in Malawi.
But barely days after the conviction late Mutharika shocked the nation when he announced that he had decided to pardon the twoe “in all aspects of human understanding” and were released from prison immediately.
Despite this background, the opposition DPP has recently been attacking the ruling People’s Party (PP) accusing the party and its leadership of selling out Malawians to donors for aid in exchange with gay rights.
DPP’s position comes against a background of reports that United Kingdom musician Sir Elton John, who openly confesses to be gay, last week applauded Malawi for taking strides to embrace people living with HIV and Aids and minority groups, including homosexuals.
“The DPP would like to get confirmation about the basis for such applause. The nation and the people of Malawi have the right to know if the current administration is indeed taking steps and making decisions that majority of Malawians are not aware of,” a statement released by DPP secretary general Elias Wakuda Kamanga said.
Mpinganjira hits back
However, a senior PP official Brown Mpinganjira has come out in support of President Mrs. Joyce Banda’s administration arguing that if anything it is the DPP that should be blamed for allowing convicted gay couple out of prison.
“In the first place, the DPP should stop blaming us and the government on baseless allegations. At no point in time has the PP or even the government discussed legalization of homosexuality in Malawi . That is mere propaganda.
“It is suffice to say that up to now Malawians are not able to understand why Mutharika pardoned aunt Tiwo and his husband Steve; I think it’s about time they told the nation why the late president did such a despicable decision.
“ For argument sake, was it president Banda who let go the two? Now between the DPP, that consented the release of two gay convicts and PP, which one would you say is condoning the practice?” queried Mpinganjira during a mass rally he held in his home district of Mulanje at the weekend.
The ruling party’s interim treasure general further told the crowd that president Banda is devout Christian who values family principles as such it would be unfair to link her to same-sex liasons.
DPP concerns
DPP says it is concerned that since the President Banda has already made statements to the effect that one of the laws her administration will repeal will be that which outlaws same sex marriages and homosexuality.
When contacted to comment on issues raised by Mpinganjira, DPP’s spokesperson Nicholas Dausi told Nyasa Times that Mpinganjira’s remarks were “mere political rhetoric, fallacies and inertia.”
He accused Mpinganjira and PP executive of suffering from “political paranoia” ahead of 2014 general elections.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :