Katsonga eulogy tickles mourners
The funeral of one of the country’s most illustrious sons, Aleke Kadonaphani Banda, was not short of controversies as throughout their
eulogies, members of the bereaved family, never recognised the presence of the former President Bakili Muluzi.
And in his turn, Khumbo Kachali, Minister Responsible for Public Works, who spoke on behalf of President Bingu wa Mutharika, who is
reported to have been “very saddened” to speak, could not either recognize Muluzi’s presence.
But when the PPM president Mark Katsonga Phiri (pictured), who took over the party’s presidency after Aleke’s retirement in 2008, on top of his voice, recognized Muluzi presence and that of the former vice-presidents, Cassim Chilumpha and Justin Malewezi, whose presence could have gone unnoticed to many people who were present during the ceremony.
Muluzi worked with Aleke in his first cabinet from 1994-2002, when they fell out following Muluzi’s choice of Mutharika as the UDF
presidential candidate in 2004 general elections.
In his eulogy, Katsonga Phiri sent the mourners into stitches of laughter, describing Aleke as a man with a mild heart and
reasonable temper, whom he said could not be compared to the politicians who were present during the funeral.
“I have worked with this man for seven years. During this period, I could make mistakes, but never on a single did he get angry with me.
He was an exceptional person. He was not like these politicians you are seeing there.
“These people, they shout at people. Don’t be fooled with the way they are looking there. But not this man who is lying here today,” said
Katsonga, pointing to the presidential dais, where Mutharika was seated.
Aleke who gave in to a long, but brave fight against cancer a few days ago in a South African hospital was laid to rest with full military
honors. He was accorded a state funeral with a 15-gun salute, befitting the status of a man who gave a selfless life to his country.
A moving ceremony that would live in the hearts of many Malawians for many years to come, was attended by President Mutharika alongside his deputy Joyce Banda. Other notable personalities present included former president Muluzi, MCP president John Tembo, retired politician Gwanda Chakuamba and a legion of diplomats.
Zambian President Rupiah Banda who could not make it to the funeral was represented by his wife Thandiwe Banda.
In their eulogies, various personalities and the clergy described AKB, as Aleke was known, as a rare breed and Malawi’s ‘political
patriarch’.
The ceremony started from his residence then proceeded to St. Michaels and All Angels Church, where prayers were held. During the
church service, the clergy gave an account of the role AKB played towards the development of the Church in Blantyre and Livingstonia
Synods of the CCAP.
