‘Am ready to be arrested over ‘coup plot’ – Kalilani

Vice President of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Jean Kalirani on Sunday said she is ready to be arrested for allegedly planning to topple the government after the death of former President Bingu wa Mutharika.

Kalirani was among other six cabinet ministers who met on April 5 at night to frustrate the incumbent President Joyce Banda from assuming the presidency soon after the confirmation of Mutharika’s death.

The six argued that President Banda, who by then was the vice president, would not ascend into presidency because she formed her own political Party.

However, their argument were contrary to the Malawi constitution which clearly stipulates that the Vice President was mandated to assume power after the incumbent president dies or is incapacity.

Speaking during a political rally the DPP held in Lilongwe, Kalirani said: “The party was confused whether an opposition Vice President would take over the country’s leadership or not after death of the president from a ruling party,” said Kalirani

Kalirani insisted that the party wanted a legal interpretation on the matter and claimed that when the matter was discussed at cabinet level chaired by President Banda the issue was closed.

She wondered why Banda has departed from her earlier sentiments that the nation needs healing, truth and reconciliation and staged what she termed as a revenge campaign against the DPP.

The government’s attorney general Ralph Kasambara earlier told the press that the government was still investigating the matter and necessary actions will be taken upon all those involved in the coup.