Chilima’s condemnation of violence by DPP youth cadets attract mixed reaction

Malawians have expressed mixed reactions over a statement released by the country’s Vice President Saulos Chilima condemning youth cadets of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for attacking Patricia Kaliati at Parliament and the torching of a vehicle belonging to Bon Kalindo.

The DPP youth cadets on Friday attempted to block Kaliati from attending the official opening of Parliament where President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika delivered a State of the Nation Address (SONA) accusing her of supporting Chilima’s candidature.

As this was not enough, the cadets went further to disrupt Mutharika’s address with some noise in the August House.

On Friday night, thugs believed to be DPP youth cadets invaded Member of Parliament for Mulanje Bon Kalindo, popularly known as Winiko and petrol-bombed his vehicle.

The development did not please Chilima who openly condemned the violence in a statement released on Saturday by his press officer Pilirani Phiri.

But the statement has attracted mixed reactions, with many saying Chilima is now opening up on leadership squabbles rocking the party.

Others went further by questioning the condemnation itself.

One of the concerned citizen identified as Leonard Chimwaza wrote: “The condemnation is good but i have one observation. ….Why Chilima has condemned the barbaric act this time around? Is it because Kaliati, Masangwi n Winiko have been harassed ? We had some instances where Chakwera was also harassed. Why not condemning that time? Please help me to understand with sober minds..Mw is for all.”

On his part Robins John Banda wrote: “Why should Chilima condemn violence while the president is quiet? Does this mean the so called president is tolerating violence? Or is he part of that hooliganism?”

Meanwhile social commentator Humphrey Mvula has cautioned the ruling DPP on violence, saying this will negatively affect the party in the 2019 polls.