Mutharika warns Malawi opposition against slurs: ‘Even Jesus got angry, I am a fighter’

A seemingly angry President Peter Mutharika has warned the opposition against castigating and insulting him, saying his silence should not be mistaken for weakness.

Mutharika said this Saturday in Mangochi when his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) teamed up with the United Democratic Front (UDF) to hold a political rally in the strong hold of the DPP’s political bedfellows, the UDF.

“Let me warn you, let’s not start politics of confrontation. I am capable of doing this. I have fought all my life. Ask PP where they are, I kicked them out of government,” said the President.

He said he is not dormant but very much aware of the opposition of provoking him so that when he strikes back, that would cause a political storm in the country.

“Even Jesus got angry when he found Pharisees trading in a synagogue. He whipped them. Unfortunately, I don’t have a whip,” said Mutharika.

The President then asked for an olive branch with his political competitors, saying the political confrontation has potential of scaring away international donors who might mistake it for political instability.

“Let us practise politics of unity and reconciliation,” appealed the Malawi leader.

Mutharika also commented on the death of Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) Deputy director Isaa Njaunu, saying the police are working round the clock to arrest the killers.

“I talk to the Inspector General of police every day. Whatever happens, the killers will be arrested and brought to justice,” he said.

The President also commented on persistent power blackouts, saying the situation would improve in three years time after the completion of the coal powered US $600m Kam’mwamba electricity plant which will add 300 megawatts on the grid.

He also warned people against killing or digging graves of albinos, saying the police are alert and they would be brought to face justice.

Mutharika described as mentally disturbed opposition leaders who say the President has no vision for the country and listed a dozen of development projects lined up for the eastern region.