Ralph Kasambara walks his last mile

Family, friends and associates of fallen lawyer Ralph Kasambara yesterday braved rain showers to escort him as he walked his last mile on earth at Chijere Village in Nkhata Bay District.

Paying tribute to his father, Kasambara’s lastborn son Tazizwa said his father loved his family and always made time for his children despite his busy schedule.

He said: “His work ethic was one of a kind. My father was a remarkable man whose journey has touched countless lives. We had this conversation before and my dad wished to be buried in Blantyre, but we decided that he be laid to rest here together with his family. Let us remember his legacy.”

Representing President Lazarus Chakwera, Minister of Defence Harry Mkandawire described the former Attorney General (AG) and minister of Justice as a freedom fighter who, among others, defended people’s rights to hold demonstrations.

He said Kasambara, widely known by his first name Ralph, contributed a lot to the legal fraternity, including mentoring young lawyers some of whom he helped to set up own legal firms.

Mkandawire said the President instructed the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) to accord military honours to the fallen former Cabinet minister.

Former AG Kalekeni Kaphale, speaking on behalf of the University of Malawi law class of 1991, said their relationship since university years turned from friends to brothers.

He said: “Ralph had huge interest in education and he was a leader among our group. We were both first employed by Savjani & Co. My friend here also led us to love God and help others in need.

“Through his legacy, he has taught his children and all of us that one does not have to be ordinary in life. I will remember him as a gifted son of the soil.”

Speaking on behalf of the Malawi Law Society, private practice lawyer Victor Gondwe said they will remember Kasambara for his dedication to upholding justice for the marginalised.

He said: “The late Kasambara was an advocate for those who needed justice and used the law to consolidate political rights. He taught us to be champions of progress thus pushing us to do something about the country ‘s economy.”

Vice-President Saulos Chilima failed to attend the funeral despite several announcements made just before the ceremony was due to start that he would be joining the ceremony.

It later transpired that the MDF plane carrying him failed to land at Mzuzu Airport and has been missing since.

Minister of Local Government, Unity and Culture Richard Chimwendo Banda, Minister of Homeland Security Ken Zikhale Ng’oma and Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara were some of the top officials who attended the ceremony.

Former vice-president Khumbo Kachali and other politicians, notably Uladi Mussa and Kamuzu Chibambo were also in attendance.

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.

Born on September 26 1969 in Nkhata Bay, Kasambara was found dead on June 7 2024 at a lodge in Area 47, Lilongwe.

Kasambara’s illustrious career 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.