By Isaac Salima:
Former president Peter Mutharika Sunday took advantage of Mulhako wa Alhomwe, a cultural festival of the Lhomwe people, to reiterate that his party is determined to return to power next year.
Mutharika, who is also the patron of the cultural group, dismissed criticism from those who have previously faulted him for turning the event into a political arena, saying he will use every opportunity he has to discuss politics.
In a rather phlegmatic address, the former president claimed that his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) would solve all the challenges currently facing Malawians, including hunger.
“We achieved that from 2014 to 2019. No one died of hunger and we will do it again.
“I know some so-called analysts are going to say that I should not discuss politics at this event; that is complete nonsense. I will use any platform I can find to address the problems of this country,” he said.
Mutharika then urged attendees of the cultural festival and all Malawians to register to vote in the elections for “freedom to return to the country.”
He also addressed rising cases of suicide in the so-called Lhomwe belt, calling for traditional and religious leaders to join forces in tackling the crisis.
The DPP leader condemned the abuse directed at the elderly over witchcraft accusations, warning that those who perpetuate such abuse might also grow old and not wish to experience similar torment.
“Getting old is not a crime; it is not witchcraft. Some of you, if you are lucky, will also grow old. Let us respect the elderly not only here but across the whole country,” he said.
Chairperson of the event’s organising committee, Felix Tambulasi, praised various groups and individuals that supported the event.
He said this year’s festival was budgeted at K180 million, which came from contributions from members of the Lhomwe community and others.
Paramount Chief Kaduya, who spoke through a representative, decried the “victimisation” of Lhomwe people in government.
“Most Lhomwes continue to be sidelined in government. Some of them have been dismissed. It is not a crime to be Lhomwe,” the representative said.
Representatives of political parties were also present at the event.
Leader of People’s Development Party, Kondwani Nankhumwa, and his Alliance for Democracy counterpart, Enoch Chinana, were among the notable figures.
However, there was some sort of commotion at the beginning of the event when a seat that had been arranged for Nankhumwa at the main stand was removed.
His supporters protested the move but it remained unchanged and Nankhumwa sat where other officials were seated.
All speakers at the event did not acknowledge his presence.
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