By Chisomo Phiri
The opposition party, Democractic Progress Party ( DPP) and United Democratic Front (UDF) are demanding the immediate release of Political Activist Bon Kalindo, claiming that his arrest is politically motivated.
In statement issued separately by the two parties, DPP Spokesperson Shadreck Namalomba says Tonse Alliance Administration has always wanted to stop Kalindo from proceeding with the anti-government protests against the high cost of living and unfulfilled campaign promises.
He says the arrest itself has potential to fuel more anger in Malawians, whom he has been leading on several anti-government protests.
“It is no secret that Mr. Kalindo has been criticizing government for its failure to fulfill campaign promises and the subsequent deteriorating social-economic and on numerous occasions, there have been attempts by government to stop him.
The UDF statement says the timing of the arrest can easily be perceived as a ploy by government to silence critics
DPP however claims they find Mr. Kalindo’s arrest as politically motivated and the arrest itself has potential to fuel more anger in Malawians, who he has been leading on several anti-government protests.
Government must, therefore, remember that it has social contract with the citizenry and silencing critics will only breed more anger,” says Namalomba in a statement.
Kalindo was arrested on Friday, on allegations that he made false statement on the death of Former Deputy Speaker Clement Chiwaya, who he said was murdered and not committing suicide, adding that the government also knows those behind killings and abductions of persons with albinism in the country.