By Twink Jones Gadama
In a scathing response to Karan Thom’s recent interview on Sunday MBC Exclusive, former President of Malawi and leader of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, has denounced Thom’s statements as “false and malicious”.
According to a press release issued by Mutharika’s office, Thom’s claims of being a member of the Mutharika family are completely fabricated. The release states that Thom was first introduced to the Mutharika family in 1999, when he was brought to a rally in Njamba by two rival politicians to discredit Bingu wa Mutharika, who was running for president under the United Party (UP) ticket at the time.
Thom, who was in his 60s at the time, falsely claimed to be a member of the Mutharika family, but when invited to the village to explain his relationship with the family, he was unable to provide any credible explanation.
Fast forward to the 2019 election, Thom was “dug up” by another rival politician and brought to a rally at Goliati, where he was promised a house. However, this promise was never fulfilled.
Now, with another election approaching, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has resurfaced Thom through the Sunday interview, where he claims to be the son of the young brother of Mutharika’s father. However, Mutharika’s office has dismissed this claim as “false and fictitious,” stating that Mutharika’s uncle spent his entire life in Tanzania and only returned in the late 60s with his Tanzanian wife and two young children.
Mutharika’s office has also denied Thom’s claim of creating the DPP logo (chimanga folo), stating that this claim is as fictitious as his claim to being a member of the Mutharika family.
The press release concludes by urging the MCP and other rival politicians to desist from exploiting Thom for their political gain. “This man is an imposter and a dishonest person,” the release states. “He is only hired by enemies during election time to slander and defame the Mutharika name.”
The latest development comes as Mutharika prepares to lead his party into the 2025 presidential election. Mutharika has been officially announced as the DPP’s candidate for the election, and has claimed that he is fit to rule the country again.
As the election season heats up, it remains to be seen how the latest developments will play out. One thing is certain, however: the battle for the presidency will be fiercely contested, and no stone will be left unturned in the pursuit of power.
- Malawians are to blame for their poor choices: A case of Chakwera’s poor leadership
- Chakwera condemns the violence from demos in Lilongwe
- PIH to implement Health Systems Strengthening for NCD diseases
- EAM demands joint security inquiry into Lilongwe attacks, urges political responsibility
- Peter Mukhito Ayambitsa Kampeni ku Kauma Pomwe DPP Ikachita Msonkhano wa Ndale
- Mukhito Kicks Off Kauma Campaign as DPP Holds Political Rally
- Mukhito Heads to Kauma for DPP Manifesto Launch in Lilongwe City Center
- Muluzi pledges youth empowerment to drive agenda 2063 in Machinga
- Jumah warns 16th September elections not credibly and peacefully free
- A Final Warning to All Opposition parties: Unite or Perish
- Kauma Ground ablaze with support as Lilongwe rallies behind return of APM
- President Chakwera under fire for “Empty Rhetoric” amid rising political violence
- Kamlepo Kalua announces joining demonstrations in 7 days coming
- Dowa District Water Office appreciates WASH partners support
- Kusagwedezeka ndi kukhalapo kwa achitetezo ambiri pa malo a Sukulu ya Kauma Primary
- A widow’s grief: Mary Chilima’s heartfelt tribute to her beloved Saulos
- Tension and heavy security presence at Kauma Primary School Grounds
