By Agencies
NTCHEU, Malawi- Mourners from across Malawi and international dignitaries gathered Monday to pay final respects to Vice President Saulos Chilima, laid to rest in his home village after dying in a plane crash that also claimed eight other live.
At a funeral mass in Nsipe, Ntcheu District, religious and community leaders eulogized Chilima, 51, as a humble leader devoted to developing Malawi through his United Transformation Movement party.
“Chilima was peaceful, humble, and loving who always wanted to see Malawi developed and this is why he always put the country’s future first in his priorities,” said Inkosi Ya Makosi Gomani V, paramount chief of the Ngoni people.
“Let me ask the people of Malawi to continue wishing the country well just as he had hoped.”
Elizabeth Mkandawire Mwanga, speaking for Chilima’s family, thanked Malawians for an outpouring of support.
She urged the government to thoroughly investigate the June 10 crash in Chikangawa Forest and prevent future tragedies.
“Let me appeal to the nation to keep the Chilima dream alive and not to give up hope so that his dreams become a reality,” Mwanga said.
President Lazarus Chakwera, former presidents Bakili Muluzi and Peter Mutharika, and other officials attended the somber event, which saw wreath-laying led by Chilima’s widow, Mary.
Blantyre Archbishop Thomas Luke Msusa reminded mourners that Chilima, a devout Christian, would want unity.
“His death should not bring about confusion and disagreements among the people,” he said.
-Africa Brief
