Legal giant Kasambara mourned
The legal fraternity and the nation were plunged into shock and disbelief as news of Ralph Kasambara’s untimely death spread across the country Friday evening.
A revered figure in legal circles, he was found dead at a lodge in Area 47, Lilongwe.
A post-mortem was conducted on Saturday, according to National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya, with results pending.
In a telephone interview on Saturday Charles Kasambara, brother to the deceased, reflected on Ralph’s significant contributions to the country’s democracy and civil liberties.
“His dedication to promoting and protecting the most vulnerable, such as prisoners, will not be forgotten,” he said.
Malawi Law Society (MLS) honorary secretary Gabriel Chembezi praised Kasambara as a selfless professional who served his country in various capacities, including M L S president, Attorney General , Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and law lecturer.
Khumbo Soko, a fellow lawyer, paid tribute to Kasambara on his Facebook page, praising his unmatched research skills and strategic legal expertise.
He said: “The honour of ‘senior counsel’ is reserved for elite and distinguished lawyers. And he clearly earned his stripes.”
According to Soko, Kasambara may not have been young in age, but he remained young at heart, adding that for a man who had achieved so much in life, his humility was both disarming and charming.
Born on September 26, 1968 in Nkhata Bay, Kasambara’s educational journey took him from Msani Primary School to Bwiba Primary School in Karonga and later to Zolozolo Primary School in Mzuzu for his Standard Eight examinations. Then he went to Mzuzu Government Secondary School.
Kasambara’s academic excellence continued at the University of Malawi’s Chancellor College where he earned his law degree, followed by a master of law degree with distinction from the University of Notre Dame, USA.
His life was not without controversy as he faced arrest in 2013 for suspected involvement in the shooting of former budget director Paul Mphwiyo, a case linked to the infamous Capital Hill Cashgate.
President Lazarus Chakwera and Vice-President Saulos Chilima have both expressed their condolences, acknowledging Kasambara’s unforgettable impact on law and justice.
Ministry of Justice spokesperson Frank Namangale conveyed the ministry’s profound shock and sorrow on Kasambara’s passing.
“It is painful to lose such a legal mind. Our sympathies go to his wife, children and his entire family during this difficult time,” he said.
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements for Kasambara indicate that his body was scheduled to be taken from Lilongwe to Blantyre on Saturday.
Sunday, the body is expected to be taken to Nkhata Bay for burial on Monday.
