The ex-President has been questioned by police about a MK5bn ($7m) duty-free cement import scheme which is claimed to have involved his wife Gertrude Maseko his stepson Tadikila Mafubza his personal bodyguard Norman Chisale and his Chief of Staff Peter Mukhito...
Mutharika has openly condemned these power plays although suspicions linger that his wife Gertrude Mutharika is either behind some of the candidates including Vice-President Everton Chimulirenji or is considering running herself...
Party insiders see the hand of the First Lady Gertrude Mutharika in the controversial choice for the deputy position on the ticket saying it helps reduce the potential competition for her own ambition to run for the presidency in 2024...
As Gertrude Maseko she was a DPP MP from 2009 until the 2014 election in which Peter Mutharika won the presidency when she lost her seat...
One is led by the First Lady Gertrude Mutharika and others are grouped around each of the following: Vice-President Saulos (Soulosi) Chilima Chaponda Industry and Trade Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha Mussa and Ben Phiri the party strongman and Mutharika's confidant...
