Chakwera pays tribute to Chilembwe: ‘Malawi needs a leader like him who can transform citizens ’

Leader of opposition and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president  Lazarus Chakwera on Monday attended commemoration prayers organized in remembrance of the freedom fighter Reverend John Chilembwe in Chiradzulu and paid tribute.

Leader of opposition Lazarus Chakwera also attended the function at PIM in Chirdadzulu and laid a wreath

Chakwera also laid a wreath at Chilembwe’s memorial pillar at Providence Industrial Mission (PIM).

Born in 1871, Chilembwe led the 1915 uprising against colonialism to attain equal rights for native blacks and promote the upholding of Christian values.

Chilembwe set the tone for Malawi’s freedom and independence which was fully realised in 1964 following the return of Malawi’s first president Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

He was killed in 1915 and was buried at an unknown place in Esperanza Estate in Mulanje.

Speaking in Chiradzulu when he presided over the memorial service of worship, President Peter Mutharika described Reverend  Chilembwe as a visionary and patriotic leader who worked so hard to transform his people.

“Chilembwe was hard working, patriotic, loving and fearless. A man of high integrity who also fought for the rights of women. We need to emulate his example if we are to advance this nation. National transformation is a collective effort,” said Mutharika.

But leader of political movement  Transformation Alliance, Moses Kunkuyu, said on Friday that Malawian leaders have not done enough in lighting Chilembwe’s candle since modern leaders are motivated by values different from those held by Chilembwe.

Kunkuyu said the man-of-the-collar stood and fought for a people and not his family or a particular tribe as is the case today where Mutharika administration is accused of practising naked nepotism.

”We, as a county, need to deal with leadership deficiency and develop true leaders for the next generation; [leaders] who should promote unity and honesty,” Kunkuyu said.

Youth activist Wazamazama Katatu, who was leader of the students body at Mzuzu University, concurred with Kunkuyu, saying current leaders do not inspire confidence in the citizenry.

This year’s service was commemorated under the theme “Embracing God for National Transformation.”

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mkandawire
mkandawire
6 years ago

Pita ukaone NEC ya mr chakwera ku MCP ndipamene ungadziwe kuti NEPOTISM ndichani-kumkuyu uyakhetu ndalembazi

mkandawire
mkandawire
6 years ago

eeeeee you small boy kunkuyu may be umakhala ku zomba mental hospital,if you are talking about nepotism then check mcp NEC.

santana
santana
6 years ago

This is why our current leaders cannot pay water bills to be exemplary. The whole party embarking on stealing water.

Nkopola
Nkopola
6 years ago

John Chilembwe, his colleagues and many others died for a true cause. Tired of being bullied, bitten and tortured by the colonialist they decided to fight for their freedom. That was way back in 1915, but unfortunately that fight goes on 102 years down the line. Our leaders do not seem to have a cause for their being in power. People still living in grass thatched and leaking homes, 45% unable to read and write. Daring tree stumps, protruding rocks and venomous reptiles Malawian men and women walk barefooted, long distances just to dance for their leaders. We need a… Read more »

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