VP Chilima salutes Malawi heroine Chibambo: Makes eulogy in fluent Tumbuka

Malawi Vice President Saulos Chilima was a centre of attraction on Saturday in Mzuzu when he spoke in fluent Tumbuka, a local dialect in most of the districts in the north, during the funeral service of political icon Rose Chibambo at Mzuzu heroes’ acre.

Chilima, who was representing President Peter Mutharika, first spoke in English and later switched to Tumbuka to the amazement of many but for those who attended the burial of Bishop Zuza in 2015 this, was not a surprise for the VP also spoke in Tumbuka at that funeral.

The State Vice President described Chibambo as the very essence of compassion, of duty, of breaking political barriers and a symbol of selfless humanity by remaining true to her country despite the hardships she went through during the MCP rule.

“On behalf of the President, I pay tribute to her level headedness and strength that despite the most bizarre life imaginable while in prison she remained to herself and to her country,” said Chilima as people nodded in agreement.

Turning to family members who were visibly heartbroken, Chilima said this was the time to be strong and remain calm and never ask or doubt the power of God.

As a prayerful Vice President, Chilima told a story that when people question where God was when deaths occur, God’s answer is:

“I am at the same place I sat when John the Baptist my servant was beheaded. I am at the same where I sat when Stephen my servant was stoned to death. I am at the same place I sat when Paul my servant was murdered in Rome. I am at the same place I sat when my son Jesus Christ was humiliated, crucified and killed,” he said.

Chilima said this shows that God does not change and people need to accept that His ways are not our ways.

Speaking earlier, MCP President Lazarus Chakwera, who was invited to speak but was not on the programme, had nothing to say but apologise for the atrocities of MCP and forcing many into exile including the late Chibambo.

Uladi Mussa, who the synod recognised as PP President, said there was need to pass a law that would help to financially support those who politically served Malawi.

Secretary General of Livingstonia Synod Reverend Levy Nyondo thanked government for according due respects to Chibambo and told VP Chilima to convey a message of appreciation to President Mutharika.

“It is important to give credit where it is due. Please convey our appreciation to the President. You have done a lot and by delegating you here, the government has really dignified this funeral,” said Nyondo.

Conspicuously missing were cabinet ministers from the north apart from Goodall Gondwe.

Jappie Mhango, Minister of Information, chose to travel to nearby Nkhatabay to address a political rally.

Sports Minster Grace Chiumia was reportedly among the Mvano women at the funeral service.

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