During the rally, Chilima took to the podium openly condemning some members whom he said are dividing the party, calling on President Peter Mutharika and the entire party to treat holding on to such members rearing a snake.

“A president, njoka saweta. Ena anayesapo kuweta nsato koma inawadyera mwana (Mr President, snakes cannot be reared. Some tried to rear a python but it ended eating their child). Those joining us should just come to help building the nation,” said Chilima.

DPP Spokesperson Francis Katsaira said Chilima was only playing his rightful role as the party’s high ranking official when he openly advised against some divisive tendencies.

“The vice president only took advantage of the gathering to preach discipline to the people who gathered during the rally not that we are in trouble”, said Katsaira.

And Kasaira says people should not read into Chilima’s sentiments as sign of in-house fighting in the DPP.

“The vice president was only trying to advice on good conduct as a second most powerful leader of the party. He only took advantage of the gathering to preach discipline as he cannot meet everyone separately,” said Kasaira.

Kasaira also denied accusations that DPP leaders are enjoying castigating Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader Lazarus Chakwera, saying the ruling party was only pointing on the wrong of the opposition just as the MCP and Peoples Party (PP) also enjoy doing the same.

“By saying so and so abandoned their calling for politics we are only saying the truth, where is the element of castigation in such a statement?” said Kasaira.