‘Politics of the tummy’: Musowa’s viral ‘time to eat’ remarks spark fury

Ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) executive member and Deputy Speaker of Parliament Victor Musowa continues to dominate social media debate after telling a party rally it was “time for DPP to eat and enjoy” – remarks now branded by critics as a brazen admission that self-enrichment, not governance, is the true priority of those in power.

Video clips of Musowa’s speech at the weekend rally in Bvumbwe, Thyolo, have been circulating widely online, showing the MP telling supporters that “those eating should not disturb each other” and urging them instead to focus on protecting their own positions.

Musowa, who is MP for Mulanje Bale and First Deputy Speaker, insists the backlash stems from people deliberately distorting what he said on Saturday.

But critics have not held back, with many interpreting the remarks as a stunning admission that DPP officials view politics through the lens of personal gain rather than a genuine commitment to the voters who elected them – branding it “politics of the tummy.”

Defending himself, Musowa said: “Take care of the people by feeding them. In politics we eat and when you are given something, do not start looking at what your friend is eating because that causes anger, especially among people who want all good things to be theirs.”

During the same rally, Musowa also waded into the management of party members, claiming some leaders treat supporters “like rags” without offering them adequate support in return.

He has now issued a fresh appeal, urging anyone he accuses of “deliberately distorting” his words to call him directly so he can set the record straight on what he insists he really meant by the phrase “in politics we eat.”