Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has made a significant gain as former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary General Grezelder Jeffrey, Dr. Herthewick Mtaba, and musician Skeffa Chimoto, among others from the Eastern Region, announced their decision to join the ruling party.
The announcement was made during a mass rally held at Area 24 Community Ground in Lilongwe on Sunday.
The entry of the five political heavyweights was met with jubilation and cheers as they were welcomed one by one.
Speaking after being welcomed, Grezelder Jeffrey described her political journey to marriage, stating that it has ended, and she has now returned to her “father.”
“I was married and then the marriage ended, and now I have decided to return to my father. However, I have not come alone to Malawi Congress Party; I have brought children, nephews, and nieces who are ready to work and be welcomed,” said Jeffrey.
She also expressed her disappointment with the DPPs failure to renovate Nkhotakota Road despite multiple reminders, adding that she is pleased that MCP is actively constructing the Lakeshore Road.
Former DPP Regional Governor for the Eastern Region, Sheikh Imran Mtenje, explained that his decision to join MCP was influenced by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera’s positive actions, particularly citing the discontinuation of the case against Bakili Muluzi, the pardon of Uladi Mussa, and other developmental projects in the Eastern Region.
Another notable figure unveiled at the rally, Dr. Herthewick Mtaba, remarked that while the media might report that he had joined MCP, the reality was that he had simply returned to where he belongs.
“I know the media will write that I have joined MCP, but that will not be a true reflection; the truth is that I have come back home,” said Dr. Mtaba, who entertained the crowd by imitating the way Kamuzu Banda used to speak.
Mtaba promised to serve President Chakwera with honour and diligence, noting that, at his age, he had seen a lot and was now satisfied with the direction the country was taking under Chakwera’s leadership.
Among others welcomed to the party were Skeffa Chimoto and Chimwemwe Maunde, Secretary for Citizens for Transformation (CFT).
MCP Secretary General and Minister of Local Government, Richard Chimwendo Banda, hailed the development as a sign of President Chakweras good leadership, stating that it will send shivers to the opposition.
Chimwendo Banda condemned the use of the late Saulos Chilimas death for political gain.
“God will deal with those who are politicizing the late Chilimas death. President Chakwera and Chilima had a good relationship, and there had been no problems between them,” he said.
Banda confidently declared that the DPP would never return to power, emphasizing that MCP has achieved significant development across the country, which the previous government failed to accomplish.
He highlighted President Chakwera’s introduction of non-collateral NEEF loans amounting to K1 million to help Malawians buy fertilizer as an example of some developments.
Chimwendo Banda blamed the opposition for trying to exploit the current challenges for political gain, saying there is no country without problems adding even in America, challenges exist.
He further defended the presidents international travels, explaining that these were meant to attract development and investors for the countrys benefit.
