Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader Peter Mutharika today claimed shock over the defection of the country’s Vice President, Khumbo Kachali, to his party.

Speaking at the Mzimba rally where Kachali endorsed him as the man that Malawians should vote for on May 20 for the seat of President, Mutharika indicated that he was taken by surprise with Kachali’s endorsement.

“When Kachali indicated that he wanted to be at this rally, I had no idea what he had in mind,” said Mutharika to the crowd that gathered at the rally.

Kachali today endorsed Mutharika and pleaded with people to vote for Mutharika and his Democratic Progressive Party back into power.

Kachali, an ex-member of the DPP, was snubbed by President Banda when she opted to have youthful Sosten Gwengwe as her running mate. Last week Kachali had announced that he had left the Peoples’ Party (PP) and had stayed mute over his next move.

However today he has come clear on his choice.

The DPP has meanwhile welcomed Kachali to the fold with claims of a prodigal son returning home.

Among other dignitaries the Mzimba rally was attended by Goodall Gondwe and Peter Mwanza.