Despite Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera’s fatherly leadership in honouring the fallen Vice President Saulos Chilima with a dignified burial following the tragic plane crash in Chikangawa Forest last June, and even after UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati publicly praised him for his paternal leadership during this dark period, cabinet members namely Agness Nyalonje and Vera Kamtukule, affiliated with the UTM seem determined to undermine President Chakwera’s gesture.
Shire Times has uncovered insidious plots by the UTM, aimed squarely at undermining tomorrow’s 60th Independence celebrations which President Chakera announced that it will take a form of national prayers to be conducted at BICC.
UTM sources opposed to the move have revealed that instead of participating in the national prayers announced by President Chakwera, some overzealous UTM members plan to hijack the 6th July commemorative event, transforming it into a remembrance session for SKC by boycotting the official national prayers.
On 6th July, Malawi traditionally celebrates Independence Day with events that draw people from all regions to a central location. However, President Chakwera through his Minister of Information Moses Kumkuyu, decreed that this year’s commemoration will be a solemn gathering for national prayers at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe not the usual jamboree, all this in honor of the fallen Vice President and the eight others.
Yet, instead of joining this dignified event, certain UTM radicals have orchestrated a boycott of these prayers, opting instead to conduct candle-lighting rituals at the Chikangawa crash site. Shire Times has learned that this parallel event is being funded by Minister of Tourism, Wildlife and Culture, Verah Kamtukule, and Minister of Labour, Agnes Nyalonje—both UTM members appointed by President Chakwera.
These two ministers belong to the UTM faction opposed to the appointment of State Vice President Dr. Michael Usi as Chilima’s replacement within the UTM party. They, along with other opposition figures, are bankrolling the Chikangawa event, exacerbating internal divisions within the UTM. One faction supports interim leader Michael Usi, while another advocates for Onjezani Kenani to take the helm, despite Kenani’s historical lack of support for Chilima’s vision.
A faction led by former Member of Parliament Felix Njawala, Khwesi Msusa, and musician Penjani Kaluwa (alias Fredokiss) vehemently opposes Usi’s appointment and is receiving funds from the two ministers to support the boycott.
Meanwhile, local chiefs in Mzimba, invited to the Chikangawa event, have declined to participate, opting to align with President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership.
