UTM Vows Not to Defend Political Turncoats

United Transformation Movement (UTM) spokesperson Joseph Chidanti Malunga has stressed that politicians who are defecting to the party with an aim of being protected from their past mistakes will not be exempted.

This follows the defection of former Eastern Region Governor for the then ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Julius Paipi to the UTM on Sunday at Malembo ground in Mangochi where he was welcomed by officials from the party.

According to reports, UTM’s national committee had rejected Paipi’s wish to join the party on the allegations that he was responsible for some acts of violence that were happening in the eastern region especially on the UTM family.

This prompted UTM sympathizers on social media to protest against Paipi’s decision to welcome him into the family.

Responding to social media concerns, Malunga said the party accepted him because it was impossible for national committee to reject him after being seen important by people at the regional level.

“Of course we have had a meeting following some reports on social media about his request of joining the party, and at national level we just follow what people at constituency and regional level have agreed, his joining has been supported by people on the ground,” Malunga said.

He quickly pointed out that his party will not spare those who wronged Malawians promising that they will face the law.

“I know some people may think that UTM will spare those new members from facing the law, let me assure you that everyone who acted against government during DPP regime will still face the law even when they are in UTM,” he said.

DPP’s secretary general Grelzedar Jeffrey refused to comment on the matter referring this reporter to the party’s spokesperson, Nicholas Dausi who was not available.

Paipi said he dumped the Peter Mutharika-led party after noting that some officials plundered public funds which shows lack of patriotism.

“The party has no vision, looking at how corruption has been taking place during the time DPP was in government you would agree with me that the party has no vision on how to develop Malawi,” he said.

He then distanced himself from those looting funds whom he branded as selfish politicians.