Malawi government has plotted to assassinate President Bingu Mutharika’s main challenger for next year’s general elections, Dr Bakili Muluzi using Police Mobile Force (PMF) it has been revealed.

Police sources in Lilongwe unhappy with the plot have revealed that the assassination had been planned for this Thursday when Muluzi will be holding whistle stop political meetings in the central region districts of Salima and Dowa.

But Dr Muluzi yesterday arrived in Blantyre safely though one of the vehicles on his convoy hit a pedestrian at Senzani.

“The operation command is in the hands of PMF C company officer-in-charge Superintendent Bengo,” disclosed a high ranking police officer.

Another Police chief corroborated the story; “Heavily armed PMF officers with the sharpest artillery available will leave Lilongwe at 4am for Salima in three Land Cruisers, an armored vehicle and a lorry to destabilize Muluzi’s meeting with an aim of shooting at the former president,” said the source on strict condition of anonymity.

The plot is said to have been hatched with the blessings of President Mutharika who ordered it to be carried out while he is out of the country.

Mutharika left Tuesday for a Green Revolution Conference in Oslo, Norway.

“A sharp shooter has been tasked to shoot Muluzi,” said the source.

“Shoot to kill Muluzi is the highest order in the hands of the operation team going to Salima. There will be other live bullets shots to others just to create an atmosphere that the re was pandemonium when Muluzi is killed,” said a source very reliable whose has always been credible.

UDF deputy secretary general Hophmally Makande has also confirmed having received a tip-off from police and “well wishers in government” on the plot.

“Police and our well wishers in government have indeed told us about the plot but let them carry the orders to kill us for merely political competition,” said Makande.

He said Muluzi has indicated that he will proceed with the meetings despite the security threats.

“Muluzi said he is proceeding to address meetings even if they would kill him as it has been planned,” said Makande.

Muluzi, allowed by the constitution to seek another term of office after serving Malawi as head of state from 1994 to 2004 and took a five year break was nominated by UDF at the April 24 convention as presidential candidate.

Other opposition parties have also endorsed him as their torch bearer.