By Mabvuto Kalawa, Malawi Freedom Network Correspondent
There was palpable excitement at Nathenje Trading Centre in Traditional Authority Chadza, Lilongwe, as former State President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, passed through in his motorcade.
A large crowd lined the roads to catch a glimpse of their former leader, waving and cheering in jubilation.
Many shouted, “Boma ilo taimani bwana mutilankhule tikufa ndi njala ana anufe,” expressing their frustrations with current hardships, although Mutharika did not stop, merely waving and smiling to acknowledge the crowd.
One community member said, “Chipulumutso chafika. We want him to come back and rescue us from these acute problems we are facing in our villages.”
Businesses ground to a halt as people flocked to the roads to witness the former president’s visit.
Another resident expressed joy at seeing Mutharika in the Central Region, saying, “We want Peter to rule us. During Peter’s tenure, commodities were affordable; we could even eat meat. Today, prices are high, and life is much harder.”
A villager from Ngala, who is not affiliated with any political party, remarked, “APM is indeed a true and caring leader. We are facing hunger because of the MCP government. They promised cheaper fertilizer, but nothing happened. Now, we buy at high prices. I registered but didn’t vote before because of the MCP’s lies under President Chakwera, but this time I am confident I will vote for APM to help us.”
He continued, “What I saw today is like a verse in the Bible when people shouted for salvation as Jesus passed by. Indeed, we were here to ask APM to rescue our villages.”
The reporter also spoke to Jane Banda, Shadow DPP Councillor for Sanjiko Ward, who said she was thrilled by Mutharika’s presence, calling him “the leader we want to guide this country.”
One vendor from Kabaza, who escorted the motorcade to Biwi, said, “I just want to see him speak.”
Unlike the past two days, when the State President passed through Nathenje with little impact, Mutharika’s visit shook the town. Women, especially elders, sang and waved their zitenje while dancing alongside the motorcade.
This display highlighted Mutharika’s campaign strategy: direct engagement with communities to demonstrate proven leadership and connect personally with citizens.
Indeed, the day confirmed his enduring popularity and the trust that many Malawians continue to place in him as a leader.