By Leonard Kavwenje, Lilongwe
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has once again found itself at the center of heated discussions, not in political boardrooms, but inside a simple minibus journey from Kasungu to Malomo. On Tuesday, September 23, 2025, ordinary Malawians shared candid views about the state of their party, with sharp criticism directed at the current National Executive Committee (NEC).
Voices from the Minibus
It all began when a woman broke the silence, lamenting that MCP’s downfall in the 2025 elections was partly due to the removal of experienced leaders from the NEC.
A young man on board echoed the sentiment, citing how the party sidelined even strong figures like former Secretary General Eisenhower Mkaka, fearing he might one day claim leadership.Court rebuffs, Chakwera, MCP on results’ determination
An elderly passenger added:
“We dismissed Mkaka and others as irrelevant, yet they had organized strategies for the party. Today, we are left with shame because truth-tellers are labeled enemies, and fear dominates our leadership.”
The conversations painted a clear picture: many believe MCP NEC’s failure to accommodate diverse talents and opinions weakened the party’s political machinery.
MCP’s NEC Lacks Strategic Leadership
Critics argue that MCP’s current NEC lacks the essential skills needed for a modern political party—strategic analysis, critical thinking, implementation, and leadership. Instead of translating strategies into actionable programs, the leadership failed to recognize both challenges and opportunities.
The sidelining of members who lost during the August 2024 elective conference was also branded “evil” by passengers, as those who contested and their supporters were treated as political enemies.Vitumbiko Mumba’s Independent Roots, MCP’s Painful Loss
The Cost of Division and Tribalism
In a democratic setup, tribalism and internal divisions carry a heavy cost. According to the views expressed during the minibus discussion, MCP lost its unity and vision because of selfishness within NEC. Instead of focusing on building a roadmap for the 2025 elections, many leaders were busy plotting succession battles for 2030.Will Mumba influence the Chakwera’s clueless and directionless leadership style?
“We, the youth, were failed,” one passenger emphasized. “The NEC trusted only a few individuals, while the majority of us died in silence. No clear vision, no proper campaign resources, and no unity.”
Call for Renewal
As the dust of the 2025 elections settles, MCP faces a crossroad. Young members of the party are demanding bold reforms. There is a growing call to dissolve the current NEC and replace it with leaders who possess sharp political skills, innovation, and the ability to unify the party.Where Is the MCP NEC? Party Supporters Question Vitumbiko Mumba’s Role
Conclusion
The voices from a simple minibus reflect the deeper frustrations of MCP supporters across Malawi. If the party is to remain relevant in the future, it must urgently address internal divisions, embrace inclusivity, and adopt forward-looking strategies. Otherwise, the lessons of the 2025 elections may repeat themselves
