BLANTYRE--Malawi’s opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) says its secretary general Wakuda Kamanga’s sudden move to join the ruling Peoples Party (PP) will not in any way affect the party’s rejuvenation process.

Speaking Saturday to MaraPost, DPP Publicity Secretary Nicolas Dausi said people have the freedom to associate and that the party will continue to rebuild.

“We are not bitter at all. Mr Wakuda Kamanga has just exercised his constitutional right by joining the ruling party. DPP doesn't prevent people from joining other parties. There's democracy in the party," said Dausi in a telephone interview. “We wish him well. Once again we are not bitter.”

Meanwhile PP has described Kamanga as a seasoned and “recycled” politician who will add value to the ruling party. 

PP Vice President Khumbo Kachali said the “recycled politician will blend well with the party’s old guard and new blood.

“Mr Wakuda Kamanga is a seasoned politician, an asset who will add value to party. We need such people and he is going to blend well with the members of the party,” said Kachali, who is also Malawi’s Vice President.

Kachali further said they didn't lure Kamanga to join the ruling PP and that they will treat him just like any other member of the party.

Kamanga told journalists Friday evening in Lilongwe that he decided to join PP to help Pres Joyce Banda in the fight against poverty.

“I am not looking at personal benefit. I think it’s high time we came to point where we can say enough is enough of this monster, poverty. We need to forego politics and joined hands to fight poverty.

“I have joined PP to help the government realize its goal uplift the welfare of all Malawians,” claimed Kamanga during a press briefing held at Kachali’s residence the capital, Lilongwe.

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(c) The Maravi Post 2012. Reproduction without acknowledgement prohibited 

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