MPs discussing next move \after Overpowering police |
Member of Parliament and top official from opposition Malawi Congress Party Jessie Kabwila has been arrested by Police while another parliamentarian and top member of the party Peter Chakhwantha is to spend nights at Germany Embassy where he is as an asylum seeker.
Police vehicle was seen hidden parked outsidParliament building after clashes with MPs |
Kabwila and Chakhwantha were in hiding following reports alleging the two together with other members of MCP were involved in Whatsapp conversation strategising ways to overthrow Peter Mutharik Governmnet.
Police mounted roadblock at parliament building after reports spread that the two are out from their hiding and were inside attending the National Assembly deliberations.
Both Kabwila and Chakhwantha were in the day attending the first day National Assembly deliberations meeting which have began on Monday afternoon.
Kabwila was attempting to enter Germany Embassy when Police intercepted her at Tourism offices in City Centre just steps away to the Germany Embassy. Her arrest came few minutes after Chakhwantha had successfully entered the embassy house.
The arrest came just after Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security had assured the House that legislatures should not be afraid of the roadblocks mounted outside the parliament building when speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya asked the minister to assure the House that members will not be intimidated and arrested when coming and leaving the building.
The speaker requested the assurance from the Minister following a concern from Lilongwe Msodzi South legislature, Hon Vitus Dzoole Mwale who informed the House that “We are under siege”
Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jean Kalirani said “What I am aware is that there is visibility of police around the country and is very important. I would like to assure you Honorable Speaker Sir, that there is nothing to fear if you have done nothing wrong.”
Immediately when the deliberations were adjourned to Tuesday, angry opposition MPs led by MCP members wrestled with Police outside the Parliament Building and successfully dismantled their roadblock.
Legislatures then were seen in discussions and agreed to go to Area 30 Police Headquarters upon hearing rumors that Kabwila was there.
At Area 30, opposition MPs together with Malawi Congress Party supporters held protests outside the gate of the Police headquarters. They prevented any vehicle from entering or leaving the place and a driver suspected to be one of the senior police officers was about to be manhandled by the angry party supporters when he attempted to drive his vehicle and pass the through the gate.
Gustave Kaliwo |
30 minutes later, the protesters left the place for Kanengo Police Station when Police informed MCP Secretary General, Gustave Kaliwo that Kabwila was being detained there.
The two have been hunted by police following Whatsapp conversation allegedly bearing their phone numbers and of some MCP officials discussing ways to oust Peter Mutharika Government. However, police on Sunday failed to arrest them because they were nowhere to be seen. But they successfully managed to arrest Ulemu Msungama who is now on police bail over similar charges.
Gustave Kaliwo, MCP secretary General said was disappointed with police that after being assured not to arrest the two until the 2nd Meeting Of 46th Session of National Assembly was over had went on with plans to arrest the two.
He described Kabwila arrest as political.
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