It’s been 12 years. A treacherous journey of scheming plotting and systematic purging.
The capable, once-privileged top brass within the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) used, dumped, and sidelined as the geriatric 87-year-old Peter Mutharika helplessly gets dragged into the political fray he would rather have avoided.
Dr. Saulos Chilima, Mr. Kondwani Nankhumwa, Mr. Ben Phiri of the fraudulent Jerusalem University PhD fame, Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, Dr. George Chaponda, Bright Msaka (SC)—all pushed aside as an illiterate former MDF corporal effected his master strokes.
Who is Behind the Grand Scheme?
This is the story of one Pythius Hiwa, also known as Norman Chisale, taking advantage of a frail and ailing old man in his grand scheme to wrestle the party from the Lhomwe of Mulanje and Thyolo cabal and usurp power in the event DPP and Mutharika are voted back into government. His co-conspirators in this devious scheme are former First Lady Gertrude Mutharika and newly elected DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhito, former Inspector General of the Malawi Police Services (MPS).
The Chisale cabal has been on the rampage, getting rid of all probable and able candidates who could have replaced the aging DPP leader Arthur Peter Mutharika, leaving others with no real power.
Chisale’s First Victim: Ben Phiri
In 2019, Chisale made a stunning move that shocked the entire DPP and the country when another little-known illiterate, Overton Cimulilenji—a direct cousin of Gertrude Mutharika—was picked as Mutharika’s running mate.
The first victim was Ben Phiri, a close aide of Peter Arthur Mutharika at the beginning of his first term in 2014. A capable young man was systematically kicked out of State House by Chisale, ending his influence.
Dr. Saulosi Klaus Chilima was next during his tenure as State Vice President. He was systematically pushed aside until he formed his own party, the UTM.
The Rise and Fall of Illiterate Picks
This circuitous cabal nearly succeeded in 2019 by bringing the illiterate Everton Chimulirenji into the Vice Presidency following the fraudulent Jane Ansah tippex election, embarrassingly overturned by the Constitutional Court.
Then came Kondwani Nankhumwa, now leader of his own People’s Development Party (PDP), and UTM leader Dalitso Kabambe, both pushed out unceremoniously after emerging as front runners to succeed Mutharika.
Big names like George Chaponda, Bright Msaka, and Joseph Mwanamvekha have also been rendered useless within the party.
Recently, Alfred Gangata, another illiterate, was elevated to DPP Vice President for the Central Region—another step in this grand plot to pair him with Mutharika in the upcoming elections.
What’s Chisale’s Ultimate Goal?
These moves have not been orchestrated in a vacuum. They’re part of a grand scheme to have 87-year-old Mutharika contest the presidency in 2025 only to be systematically replaced by Chisale—a primary school dropout currently facing charges of stealing a Junior Certificate (JC) to join the Malawi Defense Force in 1996, along with other serious criminal charges.
“It’s a scheme that was executed systematically. Chisale has always had the ambition to rule this country, and now it seems it’s working.”
— Senior DPP insider
How Saulos Chilima Was Forced Out
Chilima significantly impacted the party, contributing to its victory in 2014. However, tensions grew within the DPP, fueled by internal power struggles. He was increasingly sidelined as influential figures perceived his popularity as a threat.
Frustrated, Chilima publicly announced in 2018 he would not contest for any position within the DPP. He instead launched the United Transformation Movement (UTM).
Why Kondwani Nankhumwa Left the DPP
Nankhumwa was emphatically clear about his ambitions, challenging Mutharika openly. In January 2024, the DPP expelled him alongside other senior members, citing allegations of misconduct connected to an ‘illegal’ National Governing Council meeting. Nankhumwa later formed and registered PDP, resigning as Leader of Opposition in May 2024.
Dalitso Kabambe’s Forced Exit
Dalitso Kabambe, former Reserve Bank Governor and Mutharika’s nephew, was originally favored as a successor. However, Mrs. Mutharika and Chisale opposed him. On July 14, 2024, Kabambe resigned, citing “much reflection.” Sources, however, indicate internal conflicts forced his exit.
“Although Mutharika initially showed signs that he would endorse Kabambe, Chisale convinced him otherwise.”
— DPP source
Chisale’s Growing Power and Legal Woes
After sidelining key figures, Chisale emerged boldly, supporting Mutharika’s 2025 presidential bid, positioning himself as Director of Youth. Yet behind these proclamations lies his scheme aimed at securing power for himself.
Former presidential advisor Allan Ntata expressed grave concerns:
“Peter Mutharika is too old to lead; Norman Chisale and his uneducated cabal control him. Chisale is someone who cannot even write a Facebook post.”
Chisale faces multiple serious criminal charges, including accusations of academic fraud and abuse of office, notably using Mutharika’s TPIN to fraudulently import cement worth billions. In January 2025, courts confirmed Chisale had a case to answer on impersonation charges for stealing a Junior Certificate (JC) from a relative to enter the Malawi Defense Force in 1996.
Despite this, Chisale’s appointment as DPP’s National Youth Director solidified his political influence, boosting his ambitions further.
Malawi’s Future at Stake
Senior DPP officials acknowledge privately what critics publicly fear: Chisale’s vocal support for Mutharika is driven not by loyalty or national interest, but rather a calculated move to rule Malawi from behind the scenes, using Mutharika as a mere figurehead.
“Peter Mutharika is just a puppet. Chisale seeks to position himself as the de facto ruler, manipulating state affairs from behind the curtain.”
— Senior DPP member
