Nyirongo Dumps Msonda, ‘Think-Tank’ Goes Into Hibernation
By: Draxon Maloya
The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Director of Operations, Joe Thomas Nyirongo popularly known as ‘Big Joe’ has distanced himself from all activities being carried out by a political bureau called the ‘Think-tank’ being headed by the Director of Research and Training in the party, Ken Msonda.
Addressing the media at his residence in Mzuzu City, Nyirongo said he cannot entertain those castigating the party leadership more particularly the president, Peter Mutharika saying they are only greedy and lack respect.
Nyirongo stressed that holding a convention right now when the General election will be held in 2025 can only weaken the party considering that the MCP led government will take advantage to victimize the party’s elected presidential candidate with politically motivated cases leading to the loss of campaign funds on legal bills.
“I am not against the convention, but let’s give all the due to our president, Peter Mutharika, calling for an early conversation will only invite a string of politically motivated cases to our candidate, spending more resources on legal bills which may affect our campaign to 2025 polls,” Nyirongo said.
Nyirongo then cautioned his partner in the ‘Think-Tank’ political bureau, Director Kenneth Msonda against using his name when castigating the party (DPP) leadership adding that he finds no rationale in doing so in the interest of national party building.
But commenting on Nyirongo’s change of tune Msonda said there is nothing for him to worry about because the operations of the ‘Think-Tank’ political bureau have been halted with immediate effect giving a chance to others also to contribute in shaping the DPP’s Intra-Party democracy.
“The Think-Tank has with immediate effect ceased to operate paving way to other Intra-Party political players to contribute in the DPP’s rebuilding and rebranding exercises ,” Msonda said.
However, commenting on the fears expressed by Nyirongo that the MCP led government may be victimizing the DPP leader who can be elected if the convention will be held now, the charismatic Msonda said it is the duty of the Anti-Corruption Bureau and other Judicial institutions to clear those suspected to have committed crimes.
All the misunderstandings in the former ruling party have come about emanating from regional committees in the North, Center and East having endorsed Peter Mutharika as the party’s torch bearer in the 2025 presidential election yet the DPP National Governing Council has not yet announced the dates for the convention. – MDT – Mzuzu
