Chakwera leads tributes to Lt. Col Tembo: Malawi soldier dies aged 48

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Sunday joined  his predecessor John Tembo in mourning Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Paul Tembo who died following liver complications  on Friday (3 Oct) in Lilongwe.

In his eulogy Chakwera said he was greatly touched over the demise of Tembo saying he was “thoroughly a professional military man,” who has served in different countries in peace keeping missions.

Chakwera asked that God should comfort former MCP leader  John Tembo and his family during the entire grieving period.

The deceased was a son of John Tembo’s brother. He is survived by four children.

“He was a brilliant solider and patriot,” said Chakwera.

In his speech, John Tembo said he is loss of words with the demise of one of the pillars of his family.

“ It’s hard to describe the pain of losing you,” said Tembo at the funeral, as family members were  breaking down in tears.

Tembo commended President Peter  Mutharika for sending a condolence money to the family of  K200,000, saying the same gesture should be extended to other people caught in the similar situation.

He  also commended Malawi Defence Force( MDF) for taking care of his son when he started suffering up to the time that he died.

In their eulogy both Deputy Army Commander Sipuni Phiri and Deputy Minister of Defence Jack Mhango expressed sorrow and grief that MDF has lost a dissciplined and dedicated officer.

The deputy MDF chief promised to take care of Tembo’s wife and his children.

One of the deceased also paid tribute to the father, saying they have lost ” a great man and he will be missed dearly by all.”

The fallen soldier was born on 1 April 1966  and he joined MDF  on 19 May, 1986.

Late Tembo  was a recipient of various medals such as Nacala medal, United Nations Chad Medal, United Nations South Sudan Medal. He  has left four children and a wife.

Almost 20 Members of Parliament from MCP attended the burial ceremony which took place at Kapedzela Village in the area of Traditional Kalumbu in Lilongwe.

Other notable people who attended the ceremony include former speaker of Parliament Louis Chimango, Mama Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamira, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)  Vice President for the central region Hetherwick Ntaba, busines tycoon who owns Kang’ombe House and Kalikuti Hote a Mr Khondowe and veteran olitician who is also father to former parliamentarian Jean Sendeza, Khuma Sendeza.

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