Rabson Shaba faces tough test from Kalaile Banda in Mzimba South East
Mzimba South East MP Rabson Shaba is seeking a second return to opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) following pressure from ruling People’s Party supporters who are backing Ackson Kalaile Banda to run on their party’s ticket.
Shaba dumped DPP soon after late president Bingu wa Mutharika’s death but he re-joined the party after he was reportedly enticed with K5 million which he was later duped.
The lawmaker defected again to PP.
Now the parties are conducting primary elections and in PP, Shaba faces Kalaile Banda who is gaining popularity according to chiefs in the constituency.
“Kalaile Banda is proving to be a development conscious and has so far initiated the construction of 21 houses at Chizani area, drilled five boreholes and have graded roads both from Emfeni to Kanjuchi, and Luwerezi to Khosolo,” one of the chiefs in the area.
Shaba- who is said to be detached with the people- reportedly went to Mzuzu to meet DPP executive so that they should reserve him a place to contest as an MP for the opposition but he was rebuffed.
When contacted, he declined to comment, saying he is “working with the people on the ground.”
While on his part Kalaile Banda said he is hopeful of scooping the seat.
“But the first step is to get the party endorsement as a candidate,” he said.
He asked people of Mzimba South East to remain united and support the Joyce Banda government if the area was to develop.
