Maravi

MMD closing in on Rupiah

MMD closing in on Rupiah
By Chibaula Silwamba
Mon 14 Nov. 2011, 14:00 CAT

In what appears to be a move that is going for Rupiah Banda, the MMD has summoned his campaign manager Boniface Kawimbe and committee deputy director Martin Mtonga over the source of the former president's campaign funds.

According to sources, the MMD national executive committee (NEC) has set up a sub-committee to be headed by former defence minister and the party's foreign affairs chairperson Dr Kalombo Mwansa to conduct a postmortem of the former ruling party's performance in the September 20 tripartite elections.

Sources said the sub-committee had instituted investigations into the campaign funds and how the said resources were used.

"So far, Dr Kawimbe and presidential campaign committee deputy director Dr Martin Mtonga have already been summoned to appear before the sub-committee over the same monies. They have been told to suggest the day when they will be available to appear before the committee," said the source.

"But to be honest, many of us who were in the campaign team we didn't know where the monies came from; we were just given cash. So these fellows want to put us on the spot, but some of us are small fish, we know nothing. Perhaps Dr Kawimbe and Dr Mtonga know something and will be able to explain."

Another source said several NEC members wanted accountability in the manner funds that were mobilised in the name of the party were used.

"When Vernon Mwaanga was MMD campaign manager, he used to retire receipts and give reports to the NEC but this time around, these fellows don't want to follow the procedure," the source said. "Even Mr Banda's sons, who were in the campaign team, should explain about the funds."

The MMD and Banda conducted one of the most expensive campaigns. The party bought hundreds of vehicles, bicycles and other goods, which were distributed to would-be voters.

Labels: CORRUPTION, MMD, NEC, RUPIAH BANDA, VERNON MWAANGA

posted by MrK @ 7:08 PM