Bakili Muluzi, Joyce Banda, and Khumbo Kachali, along with the late John Tembo, were all politicians. However, for Peter Mutharika, John Tembo held a special place in his life as more than just a fellow politician. John Tembo had been Peter Mutharika’s teacher at Dedza Secondary School. Despite this student-teacher bond and their shared political careers, Peter Mutharika, who is at a stone away distance in Mangochi, has chosen not to attend John Tembo’s burial in Dedza.
This decision by Mutharika has led Malawians to ponder what kind of person he is. Funerals are occasions that typically unite people from different political backgrounds, transcending politics. Even Bakili Muluzi, who was one of John Tembo’s harshest critics, has put aside their political differences to pay his last respects and bury his fellow politician.
People are questioning Mutharika’s actions. They wonder if he is too egotistical not to emulate the example of the head of state Lazarus Chakwera who humbled himself and visited Mutharika’s home for a chat during Christmas season last time.
Malawians are wondering, Is Mutharika being influenced by his close advisors, Shadreck Namalomba and Chimwemwe Chipungu, who may be giving him misguided advice?
As a former President, Mutharika should set a positive example for the nation and avoid getting involved in petty politics. Both he and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) need to carefully consider their actions, as the current perception is that they are not fully attuned to the cultural norms of the country.
