Lilongwe, Malawi — November 17, 2025
Tensions are mounting within the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as internal dissent grows over recent political appointments, with senior party insiders accusing key figures of sidelining loyalists in favor of personal allies.
At the center of the controversy is the Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC), who is alleged to be undermining President Arthur Peter Mutharika (APM) by allowing partisan interests to dictate critical appointments.
Party insiders claim that individuals entrusted with facilitating these decisions are advancing their own networks—often composed of long-time associates and former rivals of Mutharika—rather than those who stood by him during the party’s most challenging times.
“It’s not APM himself,” one senior party source clarified. “But those helping him are planting their own people.”
The appointments have reportedly favored individuals who were absent during the DPP’s political struggles, including some who actively opposed Mutharika’s return to frontline politics.
“These are old buddies who never supported APM,” the source added. “Some even fought his comeback. They had their own camps—Nankhumwa and others.”
This perceived betrayal has sparked frustration among grassroots supporters and long-time loyalists, many of whom feel excluded from the current political landscape.
The source cited figures such as Julius Mithi, Leonard Chimbanga, Bon Kalindo and Isaac Jomo Osman—individuals who were arrested and detained far from their hometowns during the previous administration—as examples of those now being overlooked.
“Those who stood with APM, like Julius Mithi, Leonard Chimbanga, and activist Bon Kalindo, are nowhere to be seen,” lamented another party member, highlighting a growing disconnect between the president’s inner circle and the party’s base.
When contacted, Mithi and Chimbanga declined to comment on the unfolding situation, while Kalindo could not be reached for a response.
Political analyst Tiyane Nyirenda recently warned Mutharika and his advisors against making divisive appointments that risk alienating genuine party loyalists.
“You must always consider those who have suffered with you,” Nyirenda said. “In Mutharika’s case, there’s a perception that those close to him may be acting out of greed.”
Ironically, the uproar comes contrary to recent remarks made by DPP spokesperson, Shadreck Namalomba ~ MP, stating that the party has equally capable members to run government affairs in every possible position.
“The DPP does not need outsiders, who had no electoral agreements, to be dictating how we should run our government business,” Namalomba said, reflecting the party’s stance.
These unfolding scenarios raises serious questions about internal cohesion within the DPP and whether the party can maintain unity ahead of future political contests.
As calls to “expose the rot” grow louder, pressure is mounting on the SPC, Administrative Secretary Francis Mphepo, and other senior officials to realign their strategies and rebuild trust among the party’s rank and file.
Reporting by: Draxon Maloya
Senior Journalist – Governance & Development Affairs
