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Ralph Kasambara burial today

Fallen lawyer Ralph Kasambara will be laid to rest today at his Chijere Village in Nkhata Bay after a send-off and requiem mass in Blantyre City, his home for most of his adult life.

Hundreds of people from all walks of life braved rain drizzles and chilly weather to pay tribute to Kasambara both at his residence in Nyambadwe and the St. Montfort Parish at Catholic Institute where Archdiocese of Blantyre Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa celebrated the Holy Mass.

Lawyers carrying Kasambara’s casket

In their eulogies, speakers took turns to reflect on how Kasambara, widely addressed by his first name Ralph, fought for human rights, contributed to his community and fought for justice in his illustrious career that was, however, dented by his 2016 High Court of Malawi conviction for conspiracy and attempted murder of former Ministry of Finance budget director Paul Mphwiyo. He was released in 2018 on court bail pending hearing of his appeal.

Survived by his wife Maggie and three sons, Kasambara served as Attorney General during the administration of Bingu wa Mutharika and later as minister of Justice under former president Joyce Banda.

From the Judiciary to Malawi Law Society (MLS), family, friends, church representatives and the University of Malawi (Unima) law class of 1991, all speakers spoke highly of the deceased’s contributions in various spheres.

Representing the Judiciary, Zomba-based High Court of Malawi Judge Zione Ntaba described Kasambara as a teacher of civil procedure who took much effort to fight for the law.

She said: “It is always hard to speak about somebody when they are gone. We need to tell people around us words while they are alive.

“Every one of us goes back remembering for him [Kasambara] for who he was. He was somebody who loved law, somebody who fought for it, but first and foremost, somebody who made friends everywhere.”

Speaking on behalf of the Unima law class of 1991, Catholic University of Malawi Vice-Chancellor Associate Professor Ngeyi Kanyongolo said Kasambara was the brains of their class who was focused, hardworking and a generous person in the law profession.

She said: “Ralph was indeed an intellectual, he was an encyclopedia. He would read and write. He was writing a family law book. He also started writing another civil procedure book.

“The last time we talked was on Friday morning when he told our group about his intention to enrol for the PhD. Kasambara will be remembered forever.”

Taking his turn, MLS president Patrick Mpaka described Kasambara as “hard working and knowledgeable” in his time of law practice.

He said Kasambara fought a good fight using the law and the constitutional order to consolidate political rights and freedoms for everyone.

Said Mpaka: “His life teaches and challenges us all to do more than just talking about delivering economic freedom and progress for everyone one using the power of the law. Let’s be like Ralph Kasambara and do something about economic challenges facing our nation.”

Speaking on behalf of the bereaved family, Kasambara’s brother Savious described Ralph’s death as very shocking, saying his demise has left a huge gap in the family.

Scores of lawyers and prominent businesspersons were among mourners who saw off Kasambara either in Nyambadwe or CI before his remains were flown to Mzuzu.

Kasambara was born on September 26 1969 in Nkhata Bay.

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