Allan Ngumuya denied claims linking him and UTM to the Age Limit Bill debate, disavowing Kenneth Bwanali’s involvement with the party. The Age Limit Bill stirs controversy, perceived by some as targeting former President Mutharika’s electoral chances. The situation highlights the challenge of misinformation in Malawi’s political discourse as the 2025 elections approach.
Allan Ngumuya, a former Member of Parliament, has emphatically denied allegations connecting himself and the United Transformation Movement (UTM) to the controversial Age Limit Bill debate in Malawi. These claims, particularly disseminated by the Bakili Muluzi TV Facebook page, allege that various political actors were recruited by the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to advocate for the bill’s passage. Kenneth Bwanali, a key figure implicated in these reports, is at the heart of this controversy.
Ngumuya unequivocally stated that Bwanali does not hold any senior position within UTM and is not affiliated with the party. He firmly rejected any insinuations regarding Bwanali’s association, emphasizing, “Kenneth Bwanali is not a senior member, and he is not UTM.” Furthermore, Ngumuya labeled Bwanali an imposter engaging in misinformation, branding his activities as “fake news from other forums,” and declared both himself and the party disowned him.
This stern dismissal reflects Ngumuya’s determination to clarify the situation amidst escalating political tensions in Malawi. The Age Limit Bill has incited considerable debate, with detractors contending that its primary objective is to prevent former President Peter Mutharika from participating in the upcoming 2025 elections. Mutharika, who governed Malawi between 2014 and 2020, has expressed interest in a political comeback, alarming several factions within the MCP.
The bill is perceived by many as a tactic to diminish Mutharika’s electoral chances and reshape the political landscape for the 2025 elections. The controversy was aggravated when Bakili Muluzi TV released a list of individuals purported to have been enlisted by the MCP to drive the bill’s agenda, which included several notable figures and even displayed contact information of some individuals, raising significant privacy issues.
Reports suggest that the sponsors of Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, a potential presidential candidate, along with MCP, are purportedly anxious regarding Mutharika’s influence and are allegedly striving to secure his disqualification through the Age Limit Bill. However, neither the MCP nor those listed in the allegations have provided an official response, which continues to foster speculation and intensifies political discourse.
Ngumuya firmly contended that UTM is not involved in this alleged conspiracy, asserting, “He [Bwanali] must not confuse people. The entire UTM is distancing itself from this fake news.” He reiterated this message, expressing it also on behalf of Dr. Dalitso Kabambe and UTM, further underlining the pervasive issue of misinformation in Malawi’s political sphere.
As the 2025 elections approach, the threat of political propaganda, false information, and dubious claims escalates, challenging citizens to discern fact from fiction to make well-informed decisions. Meanwhile, the Age Limit Bill continues to polarize opinions—some view it as a necessary development for generational leadership change, while others argue that it is a calculated maneuver by the ruling party aimed at stifling political competition.
The lack of transparent communication from the government exacerbates this uncertainty, rendering the forthcoming political period increasingly unpredictable. Consequently, Allan Ngumuya and UTM’s disavowal of Kenneth Bwanali and the associated claims may not quell speculation, suggesting that political intrigue will persist as the 2025 elections approach.
In summary, Allan Ngumuya has disavowed any ties between himself, UTM, and Kenneth Bwanali regarding the Age Limit Bill. The issue remains contentious, as the bill is viewed by some as an attempt to obstruct former President Mutharika from contesting elections, while others perceive it as a necessary reform. The absence of definitive statements from MCP leaves room for speculation, heightening the political landscape’s unpredictability as the 2025 elections near.
Original Source: malawi24.com
