Bashir writes on Facebook: The debate over Dr. Kabambe’s intervention sparks UTM reactions

A recent post by Bashir on his Facebook page has stirred up discussions within UTM, as he addresses the heated reactions surrounding Dr. Dalitso Kabambe’s efforts to assist a widow in her quest for justice. Bashir’s post highlights the double standards and frustrations brewing in the party, as some members seem displeased by Dr. Kabambe’s actions while remaining silent in similar cases involving other party members.

Bashir begins by questioning the uproar against Kabambe’s intervention. “Mkwiyowo wachani? Kukumbutsa nkhaniyi kapena poti walankhula ndi Kabambe? Chifukwa nkhani yomweyitu Mary Chilima anayankhulansotu simunakwiye,” he writes, drawing attention to a situation where Mary Chilima, the wife of UTM leader Saulos Chilima, had spoken out about a related issue, but no one had expressed anger at the time. He raises the point that Mary’s statements didn’t cause controversy, asking, “Tinene kuti Mary samadziwa kuti UTM inalembera Chakwera za Commission of Enquiry?”

Bashir defends Kabambe’s actions, noting that the former Reserve Bank Governor was merely trying to help a helpless widow seek justice. “Dr. Kabambe has just helped a helpless widow looking for justice for her husband. Palibe cholakwika,” Bashir argues, expressing his surprise that instead of supporting Kabambe’s initiative, members are criticizing him.

He then turns to a broader issue, criticizing UTM’s apparent silence on the matter despite Mary Chilima’s public plea for help. “I am equally surprised that after Mary sounded SOS, the party chose to be silent.” This sentiment reflects a frustration shared by many in the party, as they feel that UTM leadership has not done enough to address certain issues publicly or to stand by its members in times of need.

Bashir accuses those within the party of being upset for the wrong reasons. “Instead of commending Dr. Kabambe for taking an extra step, anthu akukwiya, ati kalatayo analemba kale, mukunena lero chifukwa chani?” He suggests that those criticizing Kabambe should have already voiced their concerns when Mary spoke on the matter, rather than remaining silent and now reacting only because Kabambe is involved.

In his post, Bashir calls for accountability, questioning the progress of the letter sent to President Chakwera regarding the Commission of Enquiry. “Kulembera Chakwera is one thing, but what’s the progress, is Chakwera acting or not?” He pushes for more transparency, suggesting that if there is no action from Chakwera, it is the party’s responsibility to remind him.

“Do we have to remind him or not?” Bashir asks, emphasizing the need for continuous pressure on the government to address the issues raised by UTM. He challenges party members to explain why it seems wrong to talk about SKC (Saulos Chilima) and the struggles he faced at the hands of MCP. “Mutiuze ngati kukamba za SKC lili tchimo tisiye,” he writes, implying that those who benefited from MCP’s actions now want to silence others who seek justice.

Bashir concludes his post by criticizing a growing division within UTM, where only a few seem to benefit from the party’s dealings with MCP. “As UTM, izizi zomati ena adya masikono nkumatseka amzawo pakamwa kamba ka sikono lodya okha zikanachepa,” he writes, suggesting that some UTM members are enjoying the fruits of alliances while attempting to silence others.

“We all know MCP tortured SKC and UTM,” Bashir declares, reminding his audience of the past tensions between UTM and MCP. He warns against complacency, stating that it should not feel right simply because a few individuals are benefiting from the current arrangement. “Isakome lero because of 2 or 4 benefiting.”

Bashir’s post has sparked a broader conversation within UTM about loyalty, accountability, and justice. As the 2025 elections draw near, the party will have to confront these internal divisions and decide how to move forward, particularly in relation to its alliances and its stance on issues of justice.