Ex-Malawi minister and UDF patron Patrick Mbewe dies
Former Malawi Cabinet minister who was also one of the founders of United Democratic Front (UDF) and pioneers of multi-party democracy, Patrick Mbewe has died.
Mbewe, a prominent businessman was until his death a co-patron of UDF with former president Bakili Muluzi.
UDF spokesperson Ken Ndanga confirmed the development through his official Facebook page.
“Patron Patrick Mbewe, why you? Why now? Death you are so cruel” mourned Ndanga.
When contacted by Nyasa Times to get more details, Ndanga said the details of the funeral will be released later as they wait for family to decide.
“Patrick Mbewe deserves a befitting tribute. He served Malawi deligently and has been a fine gentleman through and through,” he said.
Mbewe was one of the founders and Patron of UDF, the first democratically elected political party to have ruled Malawi between 1994 and 2004.
He served as Parliamentarian in Chiradzuru Cemtral constituency as well different ministerial positions .
At one pointing in time, Mbewe resigned from his cabinet position as Minister of State in the Office of The President and Cabinet (OPC) on special matters citing medical grounds as the main reason.
But his resignation raised eyebrows as it happened days after the Bakili Muluzi had fired two of his party governors Mawu Lumwira of Zomba and Ackim Ntaja of Chiradzuru for standing against amendment and adoption of new UDF constitution.
The constitution was re-drafted to specifically accommodate Muluzi’s chosen heir Bingu wa Mutharika and the newly endorsed position of the party’s chairmanship which Muluzi requires for himself.
He has until his death been playing an advisory role to the party National Executive Council (NEC).
Ndanga said the party was saddened by Mbewe’s demise.
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RIP my brother. Your departure has really shocked us. May you get a befitting place in HIS kingdom
Uhambe kahle Tata. You were a special person in the UDF Family. Will miss your jokes.
Ehhh koma ankolo angawa akukuta tiatsikanq togwira ntchito Ku lodge yao ija chilembwe lodge. Amangobwera madzulo kukoka mmodzi.
Anakwatira mitala azimai a pachibale.
Maliro tikuuzani mmene titanyamukire kuno Ku Kent kupita kwathu Ku chiradzulo.
Moto uzilowera kwatsala tsire makamaka those above life expectancy of 70 like Alamu Pumani Mwakalamba. Koma kukakamira kwakeko and kuba mkati. Bingu mu Casablanca adagonamo just one week. RIP Patrick Mbewe.
RIP Mr. Mbewe you were one if finest and civilized politicians Malawi has ever produced
Very sad to hear about the passing of Honourable Patrick Mbewe. MHSRIP.
Dear Patrick,
Rest in Peace my brother.
I have had the honor of working with you in early UDF days in London when it was pressure group and briefly when UDF came into power.
Indeed you were a gentleman and very firmly committed to UDF ideals until the last days of his life.
May his soul rest in peace.
I read the story with sorrow hearing the death of Patrick Mbewe
A principled person in that he never changed parties, when he said he retired from politics, he meant what he said and only maintained an advisory role. I found that rare in our politicians
Rest in a fine gentle and hardworking man who gave his children best education .at leastI know your children and they are all great today . Malawi will miss you.rest in the bosom of your creator.