Chimwendo, Mumba Fight: The ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) is facing a deepening internal crisis as the Chimwendo, Mumba fight escalates just months before the highly anticipated Malawi Elections 2025.
Party Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda and Trade Minister Vitumbiko Mumba, two powerful figures within the MCP, are now openly at war over political influence and succession ambitions.
Fight Signals Deeper Rift in MCP Leadership
The public fallout between the two party stalwarts has exposed deep-seated divisions within the MCP, as reports emerge that Chimwendo Banda is allegedly using his powerful position to sabotage Mumba’s bid to become the party’s parliamentary candidate for Mzimba Central constituency.
The Chimwendo, Mumba fight reportedly stems from Chimwendo Banda’s desire to maintain tight control over regional committees. Sources say the MCP Secretary General has unconstitutionally kept all regional party structures intact beyond their mandated timeframes in order to influence candidate selection and secure loyalty ahead of the 2030 presidential race — a contest he is rumored to be eyeing as a successor to President Lazarus Chakwera.
Mumba Hits Back with Official Complaint to MCP Leadership
Mumba, refusing to be sidelined, has fired a strongly worded letter to Chimwendo Banda, copying the MCP President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and other senior party officials. In the letter, Mumba outlines nine major grievances, accusing the regional leadership — allegedly under Chimwendo Banda’s orders — of bias and procedural irregularities.
Top among the complaints is the short notice given to Mumba for a key meeting of aspirants in Mzimba Central. While his rivals were informed a week in advance, Mumba claims he received the invitation just an hour before the meeting. He also alleges that the party office handpicked venues for the primaries without consultation, raising concerns over transparency and fairness.
Grassroots Members Rally Behind Mumba Amid Chimwendo, Mumba Fight
Supporters in Mzimba Central have not taken the developments lightly. Constituency committee members took the unusual step of physically delivering a petition to the MCP’s regional office, challenging what they termed as a “bogus” list of delegates prepared for the upcoming primaries.
A source from the constituency committee confirmed the delivery of the petition, describing the process as “manipulated and unjust.” Mumba himself, when contacted for comment, seemed more concerned about how the media obtained the communication trail, further highlighting the sensitive nature of the ongoing Chimwendo, Mumba fight.
MCP Primary Elections in Jeopardy Over Internal Wrangling
The MCP is scheduled to hold primary elections in Mzimba Central on April 12, 2025. However, Mumba’s supporters are calling for a suspension of the process until all concerns are addressed. They argue that any election held under the current circumstances will lack credibility and may further divide the party at a critical political juncture.
Mumba is expected to face off against three other contenders: presidential advisor Adamson Mkandawire, Patricia Singini, and Aram Beza. But with the shadow of the Chimwendo, Mumba fight looming large, the legitimacy of the primaries remains in question.
Succession Politics Behind the Chimwendo, Mumba Fight
Political analysts believe the Chimwendo, Mumba fight is more than just a local dispute — it’s a reflection of a broader power struggle within MCP as the party looks beyond the Chakwera era. Chimwendo Banda is widely viewed as positioning himself for the 2030 presidential race, and controlling parliamentary candidates could provide him with a strategic advantage in building a support base.
On the other hand, Mumba, a youthful and ambitious cabinet minister, also harbors leadership aspirations, making Mzimba Central a critical battleground for future influence within the party.
Chakwera Urged to Intervene Before Rift Deepens
With the MCP already under pressure to maintain unity ahead of the Malawi Elections 2025, party insiders are now urging President Chakwera to step in and mediate between the two feuding camps. Failure to do so, they warn, could see the party bleed support in key regions, including the north, where Mumba enjoys considerable backing.
“The President must act fast. This isn’t just about Mzimba Central. It’s about the soul of the MCP and its readiness for 2025,” said one party veteran who asked not to be named.
Final Thoughts: Chimwendo, Mumba Fight Could Be Decisive
As the MCP teeters on the brink of internal collapse, the Chimwendo, Mumba fight may well shape the party’s fortunes not just in the short-term parliamentary elections, but also in the long-term race to succeed President Chakwera. What happens in Mzimba Central in the coming days could send shockwaves across the national political landscape.
For now, all eyes are on April 12 and whether the MCP leadership will address the contentious issues or allow factionalism to derail its 2025 ambitions.
