Former Deputy Speaker Mcheka-Chilenje abdicates UN post to contest for Parliamentary seat

Former Deputy Speaker of the Malawi Parliament, Esther Mcheka-Chilenje, who was serving in ambassadorial potion at the United Nations on behalf of Malawi has left the post and is expected to return back home.

Mcheka-Chilenje, a former member of Parliament for Nsanje North, who was once married to the head of Prisons, Kennedy Nkhoma, at a colourful wedding ceremony lost the seat in the 2009 elections but is geared to reclaim it.

In October this year, members of the constituency petitioned state President and leader of ruling Peoples’ Party, Joyce Banda, to bring back Mcheka-Chilenje so that she represents them.

It is not known if Mcheka-Chilenje will stand on the PP ticket or another party. Mcheka-Chilenje was graciously sold to the people by former member of Parliament for the area, Gwanda Chakuamba, who thought he would win the 2009 elections on the seat of Presidency but lost to Bingu wa Mutharika.

Chakuamba, whom Mcheka-Chilenje, has described as her political father recently joined the PP and President Banda made her political advisor.