Nyachenda Dumps MCP, Joins AFORD

Former Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Director of Social Mobilization, Ruth Chenda M’kandawire, popularly known as Nyachenda, has officially defected to the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) in what is being described as a significant boost for the once-mighty northern political movement.

Nyachenda was welcomed into AFORD on Sunday by the party’s Northern Region Chairperson, Dennis Mhone, during a ceremony held at the private residence of AFORD President Enock Chihana in Mzuzu.

Speaking at the event, Mhone hailed Nyachenda’s decision as a sign that AFORD remains a credible force in Malawi’s political landscape. He noted that her wealth of experience in grassroots mobilization would help the party sharpen its organizational machinery ahead of the next elections.

Although Nyachenda did not go into detail about her reasons for leaving MCP, insiders say her decision followed growing discontent with the party’s leadership and direction. She becomes one of the most high-profile figures from MCP in the Northern Region to cross over to AFORD in recent years.

Political analysts say her defection could signal AFORD’s renewed push to reclaim its influence in the north, where it once enjoyed a dominant political base. For MCP, however, the move is expected to raise questions about internal cohesion and the party’s ability to retain influential figures.

AFORD President Enock Chihana described Nyachenda’s arrival as a timely development, stressing that the party remains open to all Malawians who believe in its vision of unity, democracy, and equal opportunities.

Nyachenda’s entry into AFORD is expected to be followed by a series of rallies in the north, where she will be unveiled to the grassroots structures of the party.