Mutharika courts opposition MPs: Mzomera, Menyani, and Mkandawire

President Peter Mutharika and his ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has engaged on poaching exercise from opposition camps, luring Malawi Congress Party (MCP) lawmaker Alekeni Menyani and People’s Party (PP) MPs Harry Mkandawire and Rev Christopher Mzomera Ngwira.

DPP insiders say Mutharika had cast his net wider to woo more lawmakers to his party, a scheme which has seen him netting Leonard Njikho to join DPP. He was elected as an independent MP from Mzuzu City.

Another independent MP from Karonga central Frank Tumpale Mwenefumbo is also said to be lured to rejoin the DPP.

Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) legislators have already joined government benches.

Sources say Mutharika is luring MCP’s Menyani with a cabinet post to work with DPP.

And he met Mzimba West legislator Harry Mkandawire and Mzomera to entice them for a PP rebellion.

Mkandawire has since resigned from PP claiming he could not continue serving a party under whose watch the plunder of billions of kwacha in public funds at Capital Hill were exposed.

However, Mkandawire has clarified that his resignation from PP founded by Mutharika’s predecessor, former president Joyce Banda, was not in preparation for a return to the party he dumped after the death of Bingu wa Mutharika in April 2012.

Previously, Mkandawire also served as United Democratic Front (UDF) regional governor (North) before joining DPP.

“Me joining DPP ?… I did not quit PP to join DPP,” said Mkandawire.

The President wants to silence Mzomera who has been advocating for a federal system of government.

DPP spokesman Francis Kasaila denied that Mutharika was on poaching spree, saying he has no information of the meeting with opposition lawmakers.

But he said the President could meet any MP to discuss development in their constituencies and how best they can collaborate with Government on other matters.

He said Mutharika’s doors remained open to all parliamentarians wishing to engage Government on issues concerning their areas and people they represented.

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