A political row has erupted over the guest list for the unveiling of late Vice- President Saulos Klaus Chilima’s mausoleum at Nsipe, Ntcheu.
The UTM Party has stated that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leaders were not invited, despite calls from the family and religious leaders to honour the late Vice-President with dignity and without political exploitation.
UTM spokesperson Felix Njawala clarified that the decision was not rooted in animosity, but was instead a measure to preserve peace during the solemn ceremony.
“The MCP leadership has not been invited,” Njawala said. “We do not want situations that may disrupt the ceremony.”
While ordinary MCP members are welcome to attend, the restriction applies strictly to the party’s leadership. Njawala emphasiSed that Chilima was a visionary who reshaped political discourse, and that is how he should be remembered.
unfortunate. I Nation
MCP responds to exclusion
MCP secretary-general, Richard Chimwendo Banda said in a WhatsApp response that MCP is an institution that operates within the confines of legal framework that guide its daily operations and at no given point it respond to rumours that have been pitched on social media platforms that it has not been invited to the memorial
service.
“We are an institution that has an email address, physical address and postal address that if any party that has an issue to raise it can easily trace where our offices are located.
“Having said that, if indeed what we are hearing from the grapevine is true, that the UTM machinery has decided to not invite MCP, it is very unfortunate because traditionally, opposition parties have always come together in solidarity and share confab on major topics that continue to upend the country’s socioeconomic development.”
Chimwendo Banda said today’s ceremony was supposed to be bipartisan or apolitical but it has turned out to be political and has been hijacked by selfishness.
“As a party that will always remain the bedrock of democracy and foster peace and tranquility we have decided not to attend the function because we will never forget the painful death of our beloved Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima and others.
The late Chilima was a father, mentor, distinguished and charismatic leader who contributed significantly to the development of this country hence turning his memorial into a political battlefield is a “dark chapter” in the history of this country.
Government spokesperson Shadric Namalomba clarified that the administration does not organise memorial events of this nature and only attends when formally invited.
Regarding how the former Vice-President and public servant should be honoured, Namalomba stated that the government acts on behalf of its citizens and suggested that Parliament is the most appropriate body to address the matter.
In a WhatsApp response, Father Joseph Sikwese, Deputy Secretary General of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops emphasised that commemorations must transcend mere ceremonies and political rhetoric.
“The appropriate remembrance of a public figure such as Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima should be rooted in prayer, gratitude, and reflection on the values he upheld,” Sikwese stated. He firmly urged politicians to avoid exploiting the late leader’s memory for personal or partisan gain.
“If Chilima’s legacy is invoked, it should be done in a manner that advances the principles he championed and serves the common good,” he continued. “True honour is shown not by using his name for political advantage, but by working honestly and selflessly for the welfare of the people.”
While acknowledging that citizens may hold differing political views regarding Chilima, Sikwese highlighted that he should be remembered as a great son of Malawi who was deeply passionate about the nation’s transformation.
“His life should remind all Malawians of the need to work together for national unity, justice, accountability, and development.”
Meanwhile, governance and human rights activist Undule Mwakasungula noted that the ongoing political wrangling surrounding Chilima’s death, even after two years, demonstrates how sensitive the issue remains in the national political arena.
“When national tragedies are not handled in a way that builds trust, different political actors tend to interpret events differently, leading to speculation, debate, and political positioning, even long after the event,” said Mwakasungula.
He appealed to the Chilima family, the UTM, and the government to approach future commemorations with dignity and a spirit of unity
