DPP  cadets cause havoc at Martyrs Day Commemorations: Kaliati defendes them

Some people clad in rulling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regalia caused havoc at the Martyrs Day rememberance in Nkhatabay after they tussled with the organisers of the event who were trying to block them from going to a memorial pillar where people from all walks of life gathered to pay their respect to the fallen heroes.

The organisers ealier communicated through the media that all people attending the memorial service should not put on clothes indicating colours of their respective political parties.

But some DPP diehards defied the order and went to the event while dressed in their party memorabilia.

During speeches, Chairman of the main organising committee of this years commemorations Senior Chief Mkumbira openly critisised the DPP supporters for putting on party colours and sing praise songs of Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Muntharika who was not even present at the event.

Mutharika delegated DPP Vice President for the North who is also Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Goodall Godwe as his representative.

In his remarks, Chief Mkumbira said the function was more like a funeral hence the need for all people to be in sombre mood.

He cited the dress code of Gondwe and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera [Black suits] a perfect dress code that suited the function.

The chief  therefore reminded all Malawians present at the event and the nation at large to learn to differentiate between a national and a political event.

But when time came for DPP Director of Women who is also Civic Education, Culture and Community Development Minister Honourable Patricia Kaliati to speak, she took time to respond to Senior Chief Mkumbira’s accusations on dress code by defending fellow DPP fanatics.

Kaliati said everyone including DPP loyalists had to exercise their right of dressing and dress whatever they wish.

March 3 is celebrated every year as a national holiday in Malawi in honouring political heroes who sacrifised themselves and give their lives in the struggle against British Colonialisation.

On this day, Malawians often attends Church services and offer prayers to the departed souls.