By Burnett Munthali
Timothy Mtambo, the vice president of the Alliance for Democracy (Aford), has denied rumors circulating on social media suggesting that he will lead upcoming demonstrations against the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government. In a direct response to this reporter via WhatsApp on Sunday, October 20, 2024, Mtambo categorically dismissed the claims, emphasizing that any official statements from him or his party would be communicated through formal channels.
“Good afternoon honorable Timothy Mtambo, could you please confirm your participation in these demonstrations as information is circulating on social media?” this reporter asked.
Mtambo responded, stating, “Not true. Anything from us shall come out through our formal communication.”
The fake news circulating on various social media platforms falsely claimed that Mtambo was set to lead demonstrations aimed at pressuring the MCP government to address specific concerns. The rumors, written in Chichewa, read: “Zatsimikizika kuti wachiwili kwa mtsogoleri wachipani cha Aford a Timothy Mtambo ndiwomwe atsogolere mademo omwe achitike mdziko muno. Mademowa ndiwokakamiza MCP kuti lifotokoze za ngozi ya ku chikangawa komanso kuti Anabel Mntalimanja atule pansi udindo ngati mtsogoleri wa MEC. Akuti mademo amenewa akhara owopsa kwambili kuposa omwe anachitisa 2019.”
[Translation: “It is confirmed that the vice president of Aford, Timothy Mtambo, will lead demonstrations in the country. The demonstrations are meant to pressure the MCP government to explain the accident in Chikangawa and to demand the resignation of Anabel Mntalimanja as MEC chairperson. It is claimed that these demonstrations will be more intense than those held in 2019.”]
Mtambo’s clear denial serves to discredit these claims as unfounded. He reiterated that any news concerning his actions or the stance of his party would be communicated through the proper channels.
The rumors had caused a stir on social media, with many speculating about the potential impact of such protests. However, with Mtambo’s firm clarification, it is evident that the information being circulated is baseless. It remains critical for the public to verify any news, especially when it comes to sensitive political matters, through credible sources.
