Chilenga face backlash over remarks in parliament

 Chilenga's development claims spark controversy 

By Kondwani Nyondo

Chitipa South Member of Parliament, Werani Chilenga, has sparked controversy after attributing development projects in his constituency to the Tonse Alliance government, a claim the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) insists is misleading.

Speaking in Parliament today during his response to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered in Parliament by president Lazarus Chakwera, Chilenga criticized the previous administration for failing Malawians.

"If I say the previous government failed, I mean the DPP," he said.


                                              Chilenga during parliament session

However, his remarks were swiftly challenged by Leader of the House, George Chaponda, who accused Chilenga of distorting facts.

Chaponda argued that some of the projects Chilenga praised the Tonse government for were initiated under the DPP administration.

He said: "In the constituency where Chilenga comes from, Tonse Alliance has not done anything. The rural growth center he mentioned was a DPP project. Madam Speaker, let the honorable member withdraw his statement because it is not true."

Despite the pushback, Chilenga maintained his stance, further commending  Chakwera's administration for securing a contractor to begin the long-awaited construction of the Nyika-Chitipa road.

His  comments have drawn sharp criticism from his own constituents, particularly in the Nthalire Citizen WhatsApp group, a platform where residents discuss development in Chitipa South.

One participant labeled the MP as an opportunist, accusing him of shifting political allegiance to align with ruling parties.

"He has always wanted to be on the side of the ruling party. This is the same person who, in 2019, praised the DPP for delivering development. Now he says the DPP did nothing—what does he mean? Shame on our lawmaker," the message read from Chindikani Sichinga.

Chilenga’s political career has been marked by party shifts.

He was first elected to Parliament on a People’s Party (PP) ticket when Joyce Banda was President. 

Following PP’s defeat, he joined the DPP, under whose banner he was re-elected. 

Late last year, he defected to the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and has since been vocal in his praise of President Chakwera.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Towers of justice

Towers of justice 1 The time has struck 9:30 AM. The counsel tables, positioned below the imposing bench, are already filled with attorneys from both sides. They exchange lighthearted jokes, their laughter mingling with the murmurs of the packed courtroom. Everyone is waiting for the arrival of the presiding judge, the Honorable Benyanga. The public gallery, arranged in a semi-circle around the courtroom, is packed with a sea of curious faces. They have gathered to follow the high-profile murder trial of Yahaya, a wealthy philanthropist and entrepreneur, along with his ten co-accused. Yahaya and the others stand accused of orchestrating the gruesome killing of his ex-wife, Taonga, a banker. Her lifeless body had been found in June, slumped in her company car near Penyenye. The accused, seated together in the witness stand, are cloaked in dark hoods and masks, shielding their identities from the crowd. The state’s case hinges on the testimony of Mr. Roger...
Read more
Image
Tomatoes turn into ‘elusive red gold’ as prices soar By Kondwani Nyondo Tomatoes, a staple ingredient in Malawian households, have now become an expensive luxury, with prices soaring to unprecedented levels. Just a few months ago, a five-liter bucket of tomatoes cost K2,000, but now consumers are forced to dig deeper into their pockets, with prices reaching as high as K15,000 in some markets. Consumers have expressed frustration over the price surge, with many struggling to afford a commodity that was once readily available at affordable prices. “I used to buy a full bucket for just K2,000, but now even K5,000 can’t get me enough tomatoes for my business,” lamented Blandina Kamoyo, a Lilongwe-based restaurant owner. At Wakawaka Market, one of Lilongwe’s major agri-food trading centers, the same quantity is now selling for K14,000. Alinafe Banda, a tomato vendor, attributed the price hike to a severe shortage of the commodity. Banda selling her red gold She said, "We are struggling...
Read more