President Mutharika hails Kudontoni
President Peter Mutharika and his second in command Saulosi Chilima yesterday led thousands of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and government officials in mourning the party’s secretary general Ecklen Kudontoni who was laid to rest yesterday in Salima.
Kudontoni died on Thursday in a road accident which happened as he was driving towards Kasese Trading Centre, before Bua Road Block in Dowa.
Speaking at the burial ceremony, Mutharika described Kudontoni’s death as a great loss to the party and the country.
The President said the late Kudontoni was a dedicated member of his party and wanted the party to rise to greater heights.
“Ecklen, your departure has shocked me and the entire nation. You will be remembered in my heart, why you, why now and what a way to go!” mourned Mutharika
To honour the departed secretary general, Mutharika announced the formation of a special fund to sponsor one student in the country, who for a year will conduct research in democracy.
On his part, DPP Central Region chairperson Dean Josiah said Kudontoni was kind and supportive to party members.
“He was my mentor, I learnt a great deal from him. I am at loss with his sudden departure,” he said.
Kudontoni, 43, who once served as a Member of Parliament in the United Democratic Front regime, was appointed DPP Secretary General in January 2015.
