The leadership of the Democratic Progressive Party is distancing itself from reports linking the former ruling party to the planned January 17 demonstrations.

The protests championed by consumer rights activists are against the sharp rise in cost of living in the country largely attributed to the devaluation and floatation of the Kwacha.

The street protests are expected to be held in Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu.

Speaking to Capital fm, DPP spokesperson Nicholas Dausi said they are not party to the plans, saying they are following the developments from the media.

“We don’t know anything about it (protests), we are only hearing it from the media. And surely we are not involved in whatsoever. We have only heard the consumers complaining, so DDP is not involved,” said Dausi.

There have been claims that some opposition political parties, including DPP are behind the protests to de-stabilize the Joyce Banda administration.