Malawi govt again denies President Mutharika’s critical condition in America: Rumour mongers warned

Amid rumours of ill health of President Peter Mutharika in United States, government has  denied such reports of grave illness causing him to seek medical help, saying the  Head of state is “enjoying very robust health.”

Mutharika’s absence without leave in Malawi two weeks after attending the United Nations General Assembly has created a lot of rumours, including allegations that he is in critical condition at a hospital in the US.

An influential quasi-religious body, the Public Affairs Committee has slammed government for the continued secrecy surrounding Mutharika’s prolonged stay abroad.

“Mutharika is a public figure, therefore, as a public figure Malawians have a right to know to [his] whereabouts,” the religious body said.

Information Minister and government spokesman Malison Ndau said in a statement made available to Nyasa Times Sunday evening that Mutharika is fit and well.

He said government wishes to condemn the behaviour of people who are spreading rumours on the social media to the effect that Mutharikais critically ill.

“These rumours are baseless, malicious and sickening to say the least. The President is enjoying very robust health and is continuing to carry on his functions and duties whilst in the USA,” Ndau said.

“We would like to remind all Malawians that in response to the so many inquiries as to what the President is doing in the USA, the Presidential Press Secretary, Mr. Mgeme Kalirani, has repeatedly stated that the President is continuing to carry out other duties which could not be concluded whilst he was at the United Nations General Assembly.

‘This information was released by the State House to the public for those who genuinely desired to know the truth. If this information released by the information holders cannot be accepted by those who postulate to disseminate news, then it indicates a very serious appetite for rumour mongering in our society.’

He warned Malawians that spreading false rumours about the health of the President is a criminal offense, warning that government will not hesitate to bring to book those responsible for “rumour-mongering which is clearly aimed at spreading fear and panic among law abiding Malawians.”

Ndau said the nation will be advised in the next few days regarding the dates Mutharika  will return home, assuring that  there is therefore no need to panic.