Kakhome rejoins embattled AFORD: Says its historical party

With innumerable internal squabbles engrossing it, some people still feel the once-mighty Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) is still a perfect party to be affiliated with.

After years of jumping from one ship to the other veteran politician, Eston Kakhome, has finally found himself back in the AFORD camp with a passionate appeal to its leaders to ensure it becomes a strong political entity again.

There was jubilation and ululation at Mzuzu Youth Centre in Northern Malawi when party followers joined their regional chairpersons from all the country’s political regions in welcoming back their prodigal son Kakhome.

The roving politician once served as secretary general of AFORD in the early days before quitting it to form his own Christian Democratic Party (CDP) in 1995, which was de-registered.

Kakhome also served, among others, as director of political affairs in the main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and contested in the presidential elections during the party’s national convention last year.

Speaking at his welcoming party, Kakhome said he had rejoined AFORD because it was a historical party in Malawi.

“Without AFORD we would not have democracy in Malawi. We are enjoying the freedom now because one courageous man, late Chakufwa Thom Chihana, fought hard to change the system of government and founded AFORD party.”

Kakhome further said he was delighted to be part of AFORD again and promised to work with the supporters to ensure it becomes as strong as it used to be during the fight for the country’s democracy.

The old-timer also announced his ambitions to stand as Member of Parliament in his home Ntcheu North East constituency.

In his remarks, AFORD Southern Region Chairman, Feston Makhuwa, said he was happy with Kakhome’s return to the party as he was one of the few Malawians who stood firm in ensuring the end of one party rule under Dr Kamuzu Banda.

He observed that Kakhome’s rejoining of AFORD was a clear indication the party was growing under the leadership of Enock Kamzingeni Chihana, son to late Chakufwa Chihana.

AFORD is currently engaged in internal squabbles with several outstanding cases following its disputed national convention which controversially elected Enock Chihana as the party president. But the other faction is challenging his election claiming it was illegal.

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