Political analyst Thindwa says President’s health ‘sensitive issue’ as Malawi’s Mutharika hold news conference on Friday

Chancellor College political scientist Ernest Thindwa has clarified that he  did not raise the “sensitive” subject of whether President Peter Mutharika was still fit to rule after latest rumours of his health since he returned from US last Sunday with part of his right side seemingly paralyzed.

Thindwa said he was quoted out of context by  saying the President should resign, or step aside due to poor health.

The University of Malawi political analyst told Nyasa Times that he did not  suggest that the President should resign or step aside.

He said: “The President’s health is a sensitive issue and I can not claim to know the president’s health as am not and has never been close to the president. It is there for not  in my competence to comment on anything regarding the state president’s health.”
Mutharika returned home after an extended stay in the United States following the United Nations General Assembly.  His  prolonged absence was shrouded in secrecy, prompting rumors he was hospitalized and perhaps even had died.

However, his arrival Sunday sparked more speculations as he was using his left hand only and did not to speak to journalists at the airport.

Meanwhile, Presidential spokesperson Mgeme Kalilani  said Mutharika will on Friday 21st October 2016 hold a news conference aimed at explaining to the nation about his recent trip to the United States.

Mutharika is also expected to answer all questions concerning burning issues bothering Malawians through journalists.

According to a statement released by the state house press office Kalilani said the new conference will be held at the Kamuzu Palace starting from 2:00pm.

Kalirani told local radio that Mutharika’s use of only his left hand is not a concern.

“There is nothing serious about it. And what is important is that the president is in the country. Malawians wanted the president to come. And some people expressed anxiety about where the president was and about his state of health,” said Kalilani.