Peter Mutharika denies siding with Callista Mutharika on Ndata Mansion wrangle

Peter Mutharika, brother to late Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika, has said he is not siding with his widowed in-law former First Lady Callista Mutharika in the wrangle over Ndata Mansion in Thyolo.

Currently there is a battle over ownership of the multi-million house between the former First Lady and her step children.

Some weeks ago the former First Lady had to call the police to remove the children who were about to host a party at the house.

“I am not taking sides. I am not siding with the former First Lady. I am just ensuring that the two parties reconcile and they are now in talking terms,” he said.

“I am just a referee and we should know that currently the matter is under discussion. You know that in every family there are problems and we are trying to solve the problem using the family framework.”

He refused to divulge information on the will that the late President left especially on whose custody is the mansion.

Mutharika also said President Mutharika did not own the house as a person but through Bineth (Bingu/Ethel) trust.

But why has he resigned as chairman of Bineth at a time when there is this wrangle?

“I have resigned because I didn’t have time….I am running a political party and I don’t have enough time to devote to Bineth Trust. There is no any disagreement we just agreed that I concentrate on politics,” said Mutharika