FORMER PRESIDENT JOYCE BANDA AND HER VICE YET TO RECEIVE THEIR RETIREMENT PACKAGES

Former President Joyce Banda is yet to receive her retirement package two months after leaving the seat.

Earlier in June, government had announced that it had purchased a house in area 43 in Lilongwe and two Toyota VX as part of her retirement package.

However sources close to Banda who came third during the controversial 20 May Tripartite elections, have denied receiving any package and is apparently living in a ‘private residence’.

The development is in line with that of former vice-president Khumbo Kachali who also hasn’t received his package.

But Kachali who left Peoples Party (PP) for Democratic Progressive Party after not been chosen as running mate in the previous elections was quoted as saying, “It’s something that is not bothering me much because things are not easy when there is change of government.”

The law states in Section 2 of the Presidents Act that a former President is entitled to enjoying a retirement package (Salaries and Benefits).

Recently war of words ensured between Banda and lawyer Wapona Kita who argued that against the said section, Banda was not voted for into presidency.

In response, Banda through her Spokesperson, Tusekele Mwanyongo, said the former president was duly elected as the state vice president alongside late Bingu wa Mutharika, hence the benefits entitlement.

“It is common knowledge that she was elected as vice president, alongside late president Bingu wa Mutharika in 2009. When the president died in 2012, by virtue of her position as vice president, Dr. Joyce Banda ascended to power as provided for in the constitution. Unless, it is out of ill-will or mere folly, no-one can claim that her Excellency does not deserve retirement benefits,” Said Mwanyongo.

On the other hand, as former Veep Kachali is supposed to receive pension till his death, according to Chapter 2:02 of Presidents (Salaries and Benefits) of the Laws of Malawi.

State House press secretary Frederick Ndala Jnr said it is the responsibility of the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) not State House.

The OPC spokesperson Arthur Chipenda and Acting Chief Secretary to Cabinet Willie Samute have both been coy on the matter in following media trends.

Malawi has Joyce Banda and Bakili Muluzi as former Presidents and Kumbo Kachali, Cassim Chilumpha and Justin Malewezi as former Vice Presidents.