Malawi Congress Party (MCP) second deputy publicity secretary Ken Msonda has predicted the collapse of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) after the 2025 elections, with members likely splitting to join the ruling MCP or other parties.
In an audio statement released on November 3, 2024, Msonda responded to rumors circulating on social media about the alleged resignation of DPP Vice President for the South, Joseph Mwanamveka. He suggested the party’s internal conflicts are evident, pointing to DPP leader Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika’s recent reassignment of officials as a sign of deeper issues within the party.
Msonda, a former DPP member himself, alleged that key figures expelled from the DPP including Kondwani Nankhumwa, Mark Botomani, Nicholas Dausi, Grezelder Jeffrey, and Uladi Mussa hold insights into the party’s inner workings and ongoing tensions.
He claimed Mutharika plans to leave for the United States, potentially passing leadership to Dr. George Chaponda, who recently lost to Mwanamveka in the convention. According to Msonda, Mutharika originally wanted Nankhumwa to take over, but regional rivalries from Thyolo allegedly blocked the transfer, favoring Chaponda instead.
Msonda also commented on Mutharika’s disappointment at the DPP convention in Blantyre, where he reportedly refrained from closing the event due to Chaponda’s loss. He suggested Mutharika’s anger towards Mwanamveka stems from his preference for Chaponda as Vice President for the South.
He further alleged regional favoritism within the party, highlighting the reassignment of Gladys Ganda from Director of Elections to an advisory role, the replacement of the Southern regional governor with Thyolo’s Charles Mchacha, and internal opposition against DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhito and Vice President North Jappie Mhango by the Thyolo faction.
The DPP’s internal strife, Msonda concluded, has weakened its popularity and paved the way for the MCP to expand its influence in the DPP’s traditional strongholds in the eastern and southern regions.
