Calls for investigation into crash that killed Tenthani: Tributes pour in for Malawi prominent journalist

A cross section of Malawians are calling for an investigation into the car crash that killed prominent journalist Raphael Tenthani, but Malawians are being urged not to jump to conclusions about the cause.

Tenthani: Kamwamba accident killed Malawi correspondent for BBC, Associated Press
Tenthani: Kamwamba accident killed Malawi correspondent for BBC, Associated Press

Speculations that the crash that killed Tenthani was not an accident were inevitable given the history of political murders in the country for fierce critics.

Tenthani, 44, and author of Muckraking column in the Sunday Times, died after the car his relative Brother Joe was driving, overturned near Kamwamba in Ntcheu on Saturday evening.

His two sons -Raymond and Raphael-sustained injuries and were admitted at Queens Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre, while Joe and Amos Phiri, his pal, also survived.

They were returning from visiting Tenthani’s mother in Ntcheu.

Tenthani’s younger brother Kizito Tenthani of Centre for Multiparty Democracy said they cannot talk of foul play “until it has been proved what has really transpired.”

The family called for an investigation.

Tenthani’s death comes only two months after Malawi lost another top journalist Edward Chitsulo. It is also coming at a time when Malawi needs more critical journalists like him.

He was Malawi correspondent for the BBC, Associated Press, Pana and Nyasa Times.

His ‘Muckraking’ column which was published in The Sunday Times, Nyasa Times and other online outlets, was most influential and popular.

Meanwhile, tributes for Tenthani are pouring in.

State Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima said through his spokesman Pilirani Phiri: “This is not only a great loss to his family and the media fraternity but also to the entire nation.”

Chilima said Tenthani was a “great journalist, activist, and columnist who wrote with style, pace and [precision.”

Former Malawi president Bakili Muluzi described Tenthani’s death as “terrible loss” to the nation.

“Malawi has lost one of the most respected and influential journalist. I will miss his Muckraking column, may his soul rest in peace,” said Muluzi.

Tenthani’s colleague Felix Mponda of AFP, said he was “in a class of his own and I will miss both his column and journalism work.”

Facebook was awash in tributes to Tenthani.

Economist Association of Malawi president Henry Kachaje wrote: “Many times I hear of death, and I tell myself, ‘it was written that one day we will all die’, and I am reminded that I will not be here forever hence I need to do all the good I have the potential to do while I still have my breath. But the death of my great hero in writing, Raphael Kinn L. Tenthani, has shocked me to the bones. Every Sunday, I wake up looking forward to buy the Sunday Times just because of his column. I was actually honoured to have had my own column placed side by side with his.”

Kachaje said Malawi has lost extremely rare jewellery”, saying Tenthani was an “objective” journalist who loved this country and wished it well.

“I can say without any fear that the President of Malawi, has lost probably the most objective and fearless advisor in Mr Tenthani. He was a true patriotic, a genuine Malawian who believed in a better Malawi,” wrote Kachaje.

Award winning columnist and editor for Times Group, Graciun Tukula wrote: “I won’t even attempt to say anything. Raphael Kinn L. Tenthani. I simply can’t.”

Presidential advisor on communication and strategy, Bright Malopa posted: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. You leave behind , a society Muckraked by your death. RIP Ralph Raphael Kinn L. Tenthani.”

Journalist and cartoonist Deguzman Kaminjolo wrote: “ “Death of a friend, hero and mentor. …First time I knew Raphael Kinn L. Tenthani was in ’93 at the Independent newspaper. He had spiked my cartoon because I had done a sketch of a soldier with a beard ‘Unless in combat, a beard for a soldier is a punishable indiscipline’ he said. I was young and struggling to break through. So much I owe to Ralph Tenthani, from our days at the Independent, Sunday Times, International jobs, and also when he privileged me to be part of a milestone book project for a then head of state.”

Human rights activist Billy Mayaya called Tenthani’s death as “ the most devastating news.”

Media manager Charles Simango wrote: “Raphael Tenthani on my mind. Just don’t know what to say.”

Tenthani will be buried at his Sharpe Valley village in Ntcheu on Monday, according to his brother Kizito.

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nafuneya
nafuneya
9 years ago

whichever way we look at it, death is irreversible. what we should accept is that one day, we are all going to go. just do your best whilst you are alive. i knew Ralph thru my Late friend jorno – Chipiliro Matiya. iam very sad but life has to go on. stop the blame game and grow up. focus on God and the good things that you can do for others always. i love people and wherever iam i make somebody smile and appreciate life. take one day at a time and praise the Lord in everything including the sad… Read more »

wankulu saphwisa
9 years ago

kumalawi kukhulupirira ufiti. how can you relate an accident of a vehixle that was driven by down to earth drunken people as a foul play? simunaonepo ngozi. stupids

VYOTO
VYOTO
9 years ago

SO MORE OF THESE TYPE OF DEATHS ARE EXPECTED DURING DPP ADMINISTRATION.WE NEED ANOTHER DEVINE INTERVENTION ON THESE WITCHCRAFTS……ONLY TIME WILL TELL. UNFORTUNATELY THE LIKES OF ATCHEYA HAVE CROSSED THE FLOOR THIS TIME AROUND.

Mwihavani
Mwihavani
9 years ago

Before going to Ntcheu, he was seen at Chichiri Shopping mall accompanied by a friend who might be on of the victims. They were heavily loaded with alcohol. It is time! RIP our mentor.

clement
clement
9 years ago

Zako izo Pena kumazitenga ngati shasha mulungu amangokuyang’ana ndizimenezo. Show God that you were perfectionist on your bulshit mucker whatever you called it. Machendeakonso RFC

GRM
GRM
9 years ago

Thank God, Joe the driver and Tenthani’s own children have survived this accident. Azatiuza chomwe chinachitika. I am hurting guys. Why link my DPP with this accident? Tenthani was good and we all know and love his writings.

concerned
concerned
9 years ago

Nakhumwa akudziwa bwino. Ngati amanena kuti Bingu did not die a natural death after a year long, nthawi yonseyi anali kuti? Amadikira chiyani? Ndiye uyu dzuloldzuloli analemba zomwe anayankhula Nakhumwa ku Ndata. Most of us suspect fowl play. This is nothing but DPP at work to silence itscritics. Zifufuzidwe basi tidziwe chilungamo. Iyaaaaa!

Mwanna
Mwanna
9 years ago

Folks, what can you say about Bishop Zuza death, they are alike, so why politicizing

Chilungamo Chimawawa
Chilungamo Chimawawa
9 years ago

these are the works of DPP!!!!

Ex Cop
Ex Cop
9 years ago

Ask the one who was driving them! Simple investigations, Inu mumafuna afe ndani? I don’t see any foul play here. May His Soul Rest in Peace.

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