Chakwera says many unanswered questions on MP Kanjira’s death

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president and leader of opposition Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday pad tribute to Mchinji West Member of Parliament (MP) Billy Kanjira Banda who died Sunday after he collapsed at St Francis Catholic Church in Lilongwe’s Area 25.

In his eulogy at his funeral ceremony before being laid to rest at his home at Kamangirira village in Traditional Authority Simphasi in Mchinji, Chakwera said Kanjira was a dedicated member of MCP.

He said Kanjira’s sudden death was a big blow to MCP.

“Many questions have no answers here, Wise people wanted to give answers but no one can explain the wisdom of God,” said Chakwera.

Chakwera said death can come in any form and there is no one who knows how or when they will die.

“The late Banda was one of the people who contributed a lot to the party, he was focused, fearless and open minded, a trait which made him stand out in parliament,” he said.

The Leader of opposition commended politicians from all parties who attended the funeral ceremony saying that signified unity.

Added Chakwera: “Kanjira Banda’s death has brought us together and this unity should continue, as we work towards the uplifting lives of people in the country,”

Kanjira Banda was thrown out of Parliament last Friday after a heated exchange with First Deputy Speaker Esther Mcheka Chilenje who was chairing the Committee of Supply on the Mid-year Budget review.

In his contribution to an allocation under the Democracy Consolidation Programme through the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), the MP alleged that some Cabinet ministers would personally benefit in millions of kwacha from such allocations.

When challenged to bring evidence, Kanjira Banda said he would do so. Mcheka Chilenje then asked him to return to the chamber Monday afternoon with evidence.

Prior to kicking him out, Mcheka Chilenje accused the MP of being personal. She advised the legislator that his emotional outburst was not good for his health.

Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya in his eulogy said his office deeply regretted the death of Kanjira Banda who he described as a hardworking MP.

“His death came as a shock to all of us in Parliament because he was one of the most active MPs who had the welfare of his constituents at heart,” he said.

The Speaker said Banda belonged to three committees of parliament namely defense, transport and education where he contributed positively.

Msowoya said Banda was his advisor as he would sometimes call him for advice on several issues.

Other notable faces at the ceremony includedLeader of the House Francis Kasaila, former Vice President Khumbo Kachali, government ministers and more than 100 MPs.

On his part Kasaila urged the deceased family to seek solace in God in their time of bereavement.–Additional reporting and photos by Sarah Munthali, Mana

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