Past haunts PP’s Mpinganjira

One of Malawi’s charismatic politicians, Brown James Mpinganjira also commonly known as BJ is having it tough to excel in the newly registered Peoples Party (PP) of Vice President Joyce Banda because his past is haunting him, Nyasa Times can reveal.

Mpinganjira, is one of the founders of the ever growing PP but he is failing to find his proper place in the party because his colleagues cannot trust him.

Nyasa Timessource in the PP said, although BJ was given a position of treasurer general in the opposition party, he does not perfom the functions of that office as the party’s hierarchy has chosen not to entrust Mpinganjira with the party’s kitty. All the functions of this office are performed by his deputies.

The source said that the main problem with Mpinganjira is that his past record in the former ruling party, the UDF and the way he run his defunct  National Democratic Alliance (NDA) have put him in a very difficult position.

“The disadvantage is that he has joined a team of people that know him better as a result people cannot trust him with monies,” said the source.

The source said that there is always discomfort amongst senior members of PP when issues of money are mentioned to be attended to by Mpinganjira.

During the 10 year rule under former President Bakili Muluzi, the former Head of State labeled Mpinganjira the “biggest thief” saying he cannot be trusted. However, Mpinganjira has always dismissed this tag.

During the time that he led the NDA, Mpinganjira was said not be not prudent on issues of finances as he controlled every penny that came into the party.

In the PP, Mpinganjira has got his former vice Mary Clara Makungwa and former State House Chief of Staff Wallace Chawawa as his former close associates who worked with him in NDA.

Earlier this year, PP had to restrain Mpinganjira for speaking the media after he was seen to be often quoted although the party has Stephen Mwenye as its spokesperson.

Although he is holding the position of treasurer, Mpinganjira is said to be positioning himself for the leadership of the party at the next convention.

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