Norman “Pythius Hiwa” Chisale, the new kingmaker in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has been pushed to a tight corner following a scathing letter from the party’s youths calling for the immediate resignation from active party leadership of the aging leader Arthur Peter Mutharika.
Chisale, bodyguard and close ally to former head of state, has been clandestinely pushing for Mutharika’s come back and to contest as a presidential candidate during the forthcoming September elections.
The DPP youths calling themselves “concerned youths” have issued the bold open letter to the party president urging him to allow for a generational transition within the party.
In the letter dated April 17, 2025, the youths acknowledged Mutharika’s remarkable service and unwavering dedication to both the party and the nation, describing his leadership as a beacon of stability during some of the party’s most challenging times. However, they expressed concern that the DPP risks becoming uncompetitive and irrelevant if it fails to embrace new, energetic leadership capable of connecting with a younger, dynamic voter base.
“As the political landscape rapidly evolves and the expectations of the electorate shift toward generational transformation and innovation, it is our firm belief that the DPP must adapt,” reads part of the letter signed by Concerned DPP Youths.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of growing internal debates and factional alignments within the DPP. While some party members have openly called for generational change, others — including influential figures like Chisale and a faction of loyalists including Secretary General Peter Mukhito and former First Lady Gertrude Mutharika—have been pushing Mutharika to contest the 2025 presidential race, despite his advanced age.
Mutharika is said to be 86-years-old although many believe that he might be more 90-years-old.
Chisale is said to be one of the key architects behind the campaign to have the 85-year-old former president run again, banking on his established name and loyal following within the party. This push has divided the party, with some viewing it as a move to maintain influence through an aging leadership, while others argue it undermines opportunities for fresh, visionary leaders to emerge.
In the letter, the concerned youths emphasized that their call is motivated by love for the party and a desire to secure its future.
“Our request is not born out of disrespect, but rather out of love for our party and hope for its future,” the youths wrote, adding that Mutharika could still play a vital advisory role from behind the scenes as a revered party elder.
This youth-led petition adds to mounting pressure for the party to chart a clear succession plan for the party instead of letting a few greedy individuals to use the old man to control the party and later national affairs if the party is ushered back into power. It also signals growing unrest within the party’s grassroots structures, who seem increasingly eager for generational renewal as the 2025 presidential elections draw near.
Many believe that with a number of cases hanging over his head, Chisale is using Mutharika to ensure a win that will lead to him having the court cases dropped thereby evading justice. Chisale’s charges include fraud and money laundering linked to the K5 billion cement importation scandal. Despite overwhelming evidence, the case has experienced numerous delays, and Chisale remains out on bail while assets worth K1.7 billion are under forfeiture proceedings.
The DPP’s leadership and Mutharika’s office is yet to officially respond to the letter.
