Many Malawians doubt whether President Peter Mutharika is really in charge, but government has a different answer.
Malawi government spokesperson Shadric Namalomba insists that President Mutharika is in charge and nobody can make decisions on his behalf.
Namalomba has dismissed speculation that people close to the President could be influencing government decisions, saying Mutharika is fully aware of what is happening in the country.
Speaking in an interview with Luntha Television, Namalomba said the President remains alert to national affairs, including public concerns and discussions about his leadership.
“President Mutharika is alert to any situation. He is in control; he is a manager and a strategist,” said Namalomba.
He also rejected suggestions that individuals within Mutharika’s inner circle could influence him or make decisions on his behalf.
“The President cannot be influenced, or that people close to him can make decisions on his behalf. Sizingachitike (that cannot happen),” said Namalomba.
Namalomba also defended the President’s private trips, saying they should not raise concerns because Mutharika sometimes travels to attend to personal matters.
About Mutharika’s South Africa trips, Namalomba argued that the President has personal needs like any other human being and should be allowed to attend to them.
“Nayenso ndi munthu, si mngelo ayi. Amakhala ndi zinthu zosowa za umunthu, ndiye amatha kutuluka. It is not an issue,” said Namalomba.
He further argued that the trips are private, meaning the public is not necessarily entitled to know the details of every movement by the President.
