Mutharika ‘hiring’ MP Maseko to fend off gay rumours

Malawi’s opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) president, Professor Peter Mutharika, is one politician with a cunning mind. When rumour mills started making rounds a few years ago about his sexual orientation  he demonstrated his sagacity by publically appearing with female lawmaker, Gertrude Handrina Maseko, assuredly to fend off claims that he was homosexual.

The 2014 DPP presidential candidate and Thyolo East Parliamentarian once married and has three children- all lawyers practicing in the United States, but lost his wife to illness some 30 years ago.

According to sources privy to the two, Mutharika and Maseko, a Balaka North legislator, they have been discussing about a relationship for three years but had a breakdown of ties  a few months ago.

Despite the news of their break up, the two are still being spotted together in public functions in what Nyasa Times sources claim is Mutharika’s attempt to continue hiring Maseko’s services in order to deceive Malawians that he is not gay.

Peter Mutharika with Maseko: Love or publicity stunt?
Peter Mutharika with Maseko: Love or publicity stunt?

Over the weekend, Mutharika was seen in a jovial mood in the company of Maseko during the Mulhako wa Alhomwe carnival held at Chonde in Mulanje.

Among others, the two could not resist but take to the dancing floor, holding each other and waving in the air, the way couples do, as the festival reached the climax with assorted Lhomwe dances like Tchopa.

Maseko was addressed at the gathering as a special guest accompanying the DPP leader.

But sources close to the DPP leader have revealed that the relationship is just a publicity stunt aimed at clearing Mutharika’s name ahead of next year’s elections.

“Maseko and Mutharika stopped seeing each other some months ago, and if you see her in public accompanying him, it’s just a plastic lie on the part of Mutharika who is using her,” disclosed one of our sources.

The sources further revealed that Maseko no longer lodges or visits any of Mutharika’s residences and instead they only meet during social gatherings or party functions.

“He would like to build his public image that he is heterosexual and that has stable relationship but it’s purely a gimmick aimed at waning off claims that he is gay which have been haunting him for long time. ”

Mutharika and Maseko were rumoured to tie a knot in December last year but their plans were reportedly put on hold following the death of his brother and Malawi’s former President Bingu wa Mutharika who died of cardiac arrest on April 5, 2012.

Earlier, reports were also rife that a day before his brother’s death the young Mutharika was expected to fly to Cotonou in Benin for his wedding with a Benin lady but the move was thwarted because of his brother’s sudden demise.

Among other women Mutharika has also been linked with to marry include former minister and Phalombe Parliamentarian, Anna Kachikho, former Presidential Advisor on NGOs and Civil Society, Bessie Chirambo, outspoken human and women’s rights activist, Seodi White-Munthali, who is also director of WILSA-Malawi and Annie Fletcher, former lawmaker and owner of Annie’s Lodges but all the women denied the claims.

At some point in 2011 Mutharika bluntly told Malawians: “It has been hard to live as a widower and now I have found a woman that I feel can make a good wife.”

Mulakho dance:  Mutharika and Maseko
Mulakho dance: Mutharika and Maseko
Too close to dance; Mutharika and Maseko
Too close to dance; Mutharika and Maseko
Mutharika and Maseko: Strictly 'lovers' dancing
Mutharika and Maseko: Strictly ‘lovers’ dancing

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