By Burnett Munthali
As Malawi counts down to the much-anticipated September 16, 2025 General Elections, voters across the country are preparing to elect councillors, members of parliament, and the president of their choice in line with democratic principles.
In an exclusive interview with Malawi Freedom, our correspondent Mabvuto Kalawa had a conversation with Gift Mkochi, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) shadow councillor for Ngala Ward in Lilongwe Msozi North Constituency.
Mkochi was elected unopposed during the party’s primary elections, a development that signals strong backing from his party’s grassroots structures.
When welcomed to the interview and congratulated on his unopposed nomination, Mkochi expressed gratitude and said he felt humbled to be given the opportunity to stand as a councillor.
He took a moment to thank his party’s executive committee for the trust they had placed in him by allowing him to represent the DPP in the upcoming local government elections.
Introducing himself, Mkochi shared that he hails from Mwase Nyangu Village under Traditional Authority Chadza in Lilongwe.
He is married and a father of two children, and he holds a Malawi School Certificate of Education (MSCE) obtained from Mwatibu Community Day Secondary School.
Mkochi described himself as a businessman by profession, currently engaged in various entrepreneurial activities.
When asked what inspired him to run for councillor on a DPP ticket, Mkochi cited the lack of development in Ngala Ward despite having had a councillor in the past.
He noted that the people in the area continue to suffer from critical challenges such as lack of potable and safe water, food insecurity, poor road infrastructure, and high illiteracy levels, with some learners still studying under trees.
Mkochi said his motivation also stems from the DPP’s ideology of development and its leadership style, which he believes aligns with the aspirations of the people of Ngala Ward.
Outlining his development plans if elected, Mkochi revealed that he has already rehabilitated ten boreholes in various villages with support from Christian Service International (CSI), ensuring access to clean water for many residents.
He promised to construct more school blocks to improve the quality of education in the ward, noting that children deserve better learning environments.
In a bid to address food insecurity, he intends to introduce irrigation farming and empower communities through microfinance initiatives to boost local entrepreneurship.
He also pledged to upgrade the road infrastructure and lobby for the transformation of Nathenje Health Centre into a rural hospital to improve healthcare access.
When asked if he would defect to the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) if elected—given that the area is traditionally an MCP stronghold—Mkochi responded firmly that he would never switch allegiance.
He criticized the MCP for failing to deliver on their promises, describing their past pledges as “building castles in the air.”
Mkochi urged voters to choose him because he is open-minded, engages with all people, and is driven by a genuine passion for community development.
When asked whether he would accept the outcome if he lost the election, Mkochi said he would accept the results gracefully, acknowledging that democracy means there must be both winners and losers.
He added that he would continue his development efforts, including borehole rehabilitation, because Ngala Ward is his home and his commitment is not dependent on winning office.
On the issue of political violence, Mkochi condemned all forms of violence, saying democracy does not condone such acts.
He emphasized that his party, the DPP, preaches peace and tolerance, and he echoed the party president’s consistent calls against political violence.
Asked how he would work with a member of parliament from a different political party, Mkochi said he would collaborate fully because his focus is on development, not partisanship.
He explained that they are all Malawians working towards a shared goal of national progress, and political differences should not hinder development.
Speaking on campaign strategies, Mkochi said he has a dedicated team on the ground and is working under the guidance of the DPP’s regional governor.
He has also hired a professional consultant to help devise campaign methods that are issue-based and focused on real development concerns.
Mkochi disclosed that he is primarily self-funding his campaign, with partial support from the party, adding that he cannot depend entirely on party resources due to the large number of candidates requiring support.
As the interview came to a close, Mkochi thanked the DPP for the trust placed in him and encouraged voters to support him, the DPP parliamentary candidate, and former president Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) in the presidential race.
He reiterated his vision to transform Ngala Ward into an urban-like area and called for unity among candidates, stressing that violence would only hinder progress.
He concluded by appealing to fellow competitors to campaign peacefully and urged the people to vote for leaders who are focused on real development.
The interview ended on a positive note, with Kalawa thanking Mkochi for his time and wishing him success in the upcoming elections.
Mkochi, in response, expressed confidence in his campaign and promised that voters would indeed see him at the council chamber after the polls.
