Malawi President disowns remarks of Nankhumwa on ‘Bingu killed’

State House – fending off attacks for  Malawi Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture Kondwani Nankhumwa remarks that the former president Bingu wa Mutharika claiming he didn’t die a natural death but was rather killed, – have  said the statement did not reflect President Peter Mutharika’s position.

President Mutharika: Disowns Nankhumwa's remarks on Bingu's death
President Mutharika: Disowns Nankhumwa’s remarks on Bingu’s death

Nankhumwa, who is also official government spokesperson, made the remarks in the presence of President Mutharika during Bingu’s memorial on Saturday in Thyolo.

He produced a copy of his defunct newspaper publication “The Eye Witness” of 11th October, 2011 which carried an article titled ‘Bingu to die before 2014’ and quoted a document signed by little known Edgar Saukila and indicated the ‘JB Project’ wanted to block Peter Mutharika from inheriting power and Joyce Banda not to succeed Bingu.

The Eye Witnes newspaper was published by Mzati Communications which also owns Mzati FM that broadcasts from Nankhumwa’s Mulanje Central Constituency. The media house is owned by Nankhumwa himself and he confirmed.

The remarks attracted a barrage of criticism from the general public.

However , State House spokesman Gerald Viola, speaking on behalf of the president,  disowned the remarks as “personal opinion” of Nankhumwa – most trusted minister.

Viola said Nankhumwa’s statement is not the position of the Head of State.

“President Mutharika does not believe neither in gossip nor vengeance… Honourable Nankhumwa, just like any other Malawian, is free to express his opinion on matters of national interest,” he said.

Nankhumwa had asked President Mutharika to order a fresh inquiry to find out those who were behind the ‘JB Project’ so they should explain who killed Bingu.

Government spokesman  said he and other DPP members strongly believe “someone was behind Bingu’s death” and that his death was not caused by natural causes.

The Minister was quoted saying at Ndata: “I ask you the President to arrest those who were behind the JB Project so they should explain who killed Bingu,” adding that “even if Dr Bakili Muluzi was part of the JB project, he must be brought to book.”

Bingu wa Mutharika came to power in 2004 and presided over a seven-year boom – underpinned by foreign aid and favourable rains – that made Malawi one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

But he was accused of trampling on democratic freedoms and economic mismanagement.

In 2011, as people struggled with rising prices and fuel shortages, frustration and anger spilled over into the streets and the country experienced some of the worst riots in its history.

At least 19 people were killed when police used live bullets.

Changing names

Born Ryson Webster Thom in the southern tea-growing district of Thyolo in 1934, the schoolmaster’s son adopted the more African name of Bingu Mutharika during the 1960s when pan-Africanism was sweeping across the continent.

He later added the prefix ‘wa’ between his names.

When he died in 2012, his body was reportedly transported to South Africa as ‘Daniel Phiri’ to disguise his identity as the government were hiding his death.

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R.K.Kalira.
8 years ago

I love my country Malawi and its good to point out wrong ldeas.With Nankhumwas speech I side Mr. President but I would like him learn something which is my experience.There are many such people in many areas who are of such mentallity who believe in using the tongue instead of the brain.The reason is that they are not suitable in the positions allocated,there4 there’s nothing to do.The result from them is to start worshipping the boss thats the only way to survive.Such people in any society or working place they are good at destroying the team work spirit.Mr. President for… Read more »

nyasa boy
nyasa boy
8 years ago

Inu osaloza chala anthuosalakwa chibingu chanucho chinamwalira ndimatenda ake kusowa zokambaeti chinatsatira anthu amene chinaphesa Ku nzuzu f*********k busu

Tengupenya
Tengupenya
8 years ago

Arrest so as to explain. … something? What is the probable cause?

che dyumo
8 years ago

Nankumwa mbori yako wamva….wakhunyu ngat iwe wacifufu amakusankhira chani udindo umenewo nae pitala…much as ilike peter koma apa anandilakwira ndithu kusankha wodwala khunyu iwe namapwala kusowa zokamba eti

Nsena
Nsena
8 years ago

Anthu ngati awa unduna sukuwakhala ngonyozesa kulikulu

chikoya
8 years ago

nankhumwa is bcoming another kaliati ndithu. akufuna peter afe ndi ‘cardiac’ ndi maganizo oti bingu anaphedwa.

Zeruthwini
8 years ago

Majenteremeni ndi ma mwali muvere kwaine nkhalamba yakale, palimau timati “olira sitimugwira pakamwa ngakhale alankhule mopusa, timangodziwa kuti awandun ngolira mopusa” ngani imeneija simayenera kuchokera mkamwa mwa munthu wanklu chonchi. Knowing that the facts given were foolish that’s why our president commented nothing, he knew The minister was lost.
Awa tingowapatsa dzina loti Zerutwini 2

Kenkkk
Kenkkk
8 years ago

Next time mr nankhumwa before you open your mouth to talk issues, you must first declare whether or not what you are about to say is personal or govt. And if personal, please don’t use a govt platform to spread your lies!!!

Peter
8 years ago

These people are one. They planned it. First pay the IPTE 7 teachers in Mangochi their 5 months perks before you compesate JB on cooked cases like this or if gvt paid them thru DEM’S ofice, then let the law take its course

observer
observer
8 years ago

Nankhumwa you have better be ashamed of yourself. You were a leader of that publications and you was at a better position to bar such stupid & embarrassing story to the late President. You knew the article could scare the president or could bring anxiety but you didn’t care all these. Besides, religiously every creature will die and scientifically every creature which doesn’t cope with environment faces death. How many prophesied about Bingu’s death, do you mean all those prophets has to be coaxed? Let his soul rest in piece. He did his part now he has gone We know… Read more »

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