On Tuesday 10th August 2015, the party’s northern region Provincial Chair Reverend Christopher Mzomera Ngwira announced the appointment of Kachali as the party’s interim leader.
He said the decision is part of re-organising the party which has been without its leader Joyce Banda who went in Diaspora soon after losing the 2014 elections to the incumbent.
“We don’t know how long Dr Joyce Banda will stay abroad, it may be a year or two, but she is aware of our plans to rebuild the party with Khumbo on the throne”, said Mzomera.
He added that the whole northern region has agreed to endorse Kachali as an interim president as a way of saving the party which has been hit by massive exodus and resignations of some of its senior members.
Kachali himself confirmed to MBC saying his decision to accept the position was simply based on the wishes of the people within the party.
`Yes I have been approached by the party`s senior member to take an active role in the party but I don’t know about the position you are talking about. ` said Kachali.
Kachali however said despite being sidelined from the party, he remained a PP member although he was stripped off the party’s vice presidency which went to Mzimba West MP Harry Mkandawire.
But the party’s Secretary General has categorically disowned Mzomera’s move to appoint Kachali saying a provincial chairperson has got no powers to elect the interim president.
But the party’s Secretary General has categorically disowned Mzomera’s move to appoint Kachali saying a provincial chairperson has got no powers to elect the interim president.
Matola said it is only during a convention or through the National Executive Council where an interim leader can be appointed.
“I am hearing it from the media that Honorable Kachali is the president for the party because as far as my office is concerned Madame Joyce Banda still remains the leader.” said Matola.
He however did not say whether Banda is coming to lead the party anytime soon.
Prior to 2014 general elections Kachali openly endorsed the then DPP candidate but now state president Arthur Peter Mutharika after Banda appointed youthful Sosten Gwengwe as her running mate.
