VP Khumbo, Nkhata tussle at M’mbelwa memorial
Malawi Vice President Khumbo Kachali and incumbent MP for Mzimba South West Raymond Chatima Nkhata threw respect and dignity for late Paramount Chief M’mbelwa when they separately took their fight for the constituency to the podium at late Chief’s memorial service in Mzimba District on Sunday
The service was held at late Mmbelwa’s Edingeni Headquarters where President Joyce Banda was the guest of honour.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Vice President Richard Msowoya was also in attendance.
Speaking earlier, Nkhata tearfully mourned M’mbelwa describing him as a brave and courageous person who fought for the advent of democracy in 1992 despite the fact that late President Kamuzu Banda had built the family a nice house.
“He could have decided otherwise if he did not have people’s welfare at heart,” Nkhata said.
Apart from a litany of requests of things that needed attention in the constituency from lack of boreholes, Guardian Shelters, Health Centres, Medical Personnel and lack of food, Nkhata reminded President Banda that he is the only elected Peoples Party (PP) MP.
“I am your first child and I was voted by the people. I wish to inform you that I will stand an Independent MP during the May 20, 2014 polls. But I still remain a PP member,” Nkhata said.
He said it is sad that some MPs and other party officials were treated badly by officials from PP Northern Province. He did not elaborate.
“This is still my constituency. What wrong did people who came to mourn our Chief do? Why ill treat them” Nkhata queried.
Quoting late Kamuzu Banda and referring to his ‘God father’ turned nemesis, Nkhata said “It’s not money that make man a gentleman but character.”
However, when Khumbo took to the podium resplendent in a black suit, white shirt and black tie complete with a PP badge emblazoned with President Banda’s portrait, he said “Asi vakuti ndivo venecho va constituency ( He is saying he is the owner of the constituency), I will not say much he has already said it all”
“But he forgets that I left it to him. It’s not his,” Kachali said.
Kachali won the Mzimba South West Constituency in the 2009 polls but relinquished the seat in April 2012 when he was appointed State Vice President.
Nkhata assumed the seat in the subsequent bye election.
During his less than 10 minutes speech, President Banda sat impassively and never bothered to face Kachali’s direction.
The Veep then told the gathering that “We should know that every land has its own people.” He also did not elaborate.
In his eulogy, CCAP Synod of Livingstonia General Secretary Reverend Levi Nyondo claimed President Banda had taught Malawians unity.
“The President is not only for Tonga people but for everybody. Therefore let genuine love and be united for the betterment of Mzimba District,” Reverend Nyondo said tongue-in-cheek.
Banda said specifically thanked Nkhata for mourning late Mmbelwa saying the Ngoni Chief was almost an advisor to her.
“I will never forget his words. I lost an advisor. That is why he deserved a state funeral. I believe as we conclude this memorial service, his soul would want us to move on,” Banda said.
