Last night marked a theatrical occasion as the Chilima Family unveiled the Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) Foundation, embodied in memory of the late state Vice President. President Lazarus Chakwera attended the event as the guest of honor, following an invitation from the Chilima family.
During her address, Mary Chilima, wife of the deceased, expressed deep frustrations saying she has ‘unanswered questions’ surrounding the tragic plane crash that claimed her husband’s life and eight others on June 10. While an independent commission of inquiry, established at her request, delivered findings to the nation aimed at demystifying the incidents surrounding the crash, Mary claimed that much remains obscured about the events leading up to their deaths.
“The efforts to address these concerns have fallen short of being satisfactory,” she lamented. “I continue to seek convincing answers as to why such a visionary hardworking, humble, patriotic, and peace-loving individual had to die under such circumstances.” However, her vague assertions left many attendees pondering the specific questions still lingering in her mind, as she failed to articulate any particular queries she desired clarity on. She, however, remained uncommitted to share the questions that she believes have not been answered by the inquiry.
Acknowledging the cooperative spirit surrounding the commission, the Chilima family quickly emphasized that they harbor no ill will towards the government or President Chakwera. “We may not fully understand everything that happened for SKC and eight others to die in the plane crash, but we have no grudge against government in general and the president in particular,” they stated.
In his remarks, President Chakwera assured the Chilima family that likewise, he and his Government hold no single grudge against the family despite the family’s questionable behaviour during the late state Vice President’s funeral: “We have no grudge against the Chilima family for all that may have transpired during the funeral”, Chakwera said while reflecting on the bond shared with the late Chilima, noting, “You represent the individual who was not just our partner but a close friend whose mission we shared.” In his remarks, President Chakwera asserted the government’s commitment to stand beside the Chilima family.
