Mpasu ‘last post’ in Ntcheu: VP Chilima led Malawi in mourning the Impi

State Vice President Saulos Chilima led the nation  in mourning  veteran politician Sam Mpasu, who fought for multiparty democracy,  at the funeral ceremony on Sunday at his home village Khuzi, in the area of Traditional Authority Kwataine in Ntcheu.

Chilima pay his last respect to Sam Mpasu.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana
One of Mpasu’s daughters  Silaba pay her last respects.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana
Chilima consoles Mpasu’s family.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana
Malawi army pall-bearers carry Mpasu’s casket during the funeral.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana
Fare thee well Sam Mpasu.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana
Impis lay their wreaths.-Photo by Govati Nyirenda, Mana

Mpasu, who died February 12 2018  at his Blantyre residence  in Mudi was accorded a full military honour funeral service by government in recognition ofthe great role he played in the development of the country.

The body of former Speaker of Parliament and former parliamentarian for Ntcheu Central in a hard wood casket with  its lid draped by an animal skin, permanently sealing his identity as a Ngoni and an Impi was laid to rest  with gun salute from Malawi Defence Force (MDF).

It was followed by the military brass band played  ‘Last Post’ which was followed by Reveille.

Chilima in his euology described the late Mpasu as a great man who contributed a lot to the development and democratic process of the country, saying the participation and role that the former minister  in the United Democratic Front (UDF) administration played in the effort to entrench democratic values in this country, cannot be ignored.

“There are a lot of achievements to his credit which we can outline as a country. He was such a great man the country has ever had,” said Chilima.

The Vice President urged Malawians in the country to emulate a good example set by the deceased.

Speaker of Parliament,  Richard Msowoya described late Mpasu as “a courageous” politician who played a great role in ensuring that there was peaceful transition of government from one party rule to multiparty.

“For those that know Sam, will agree with me that he was a very courageous man who used to speak without fear for the betterment of Malawians,” said Msowoya.

Many people described  Mpasu as a fearless fighter and champion of social justice.

Representing the bereaved family, Reverend Martin Kantwela said the family has lost a great man who was a pillar for the family.

He thanked late Mpasu’s son John for making it possible to alert family representatives in Malawi to check on their father after his daughter Becky became suspicious of something when his father wasn’t picking up his phone.

Fondly known by his Ngoni name Biyeni, Mpasu served as a diplomat in the Foreign Service, worked as a cabinet minister in different portfolios during Bakili Muluzi era and served as parliamentarian for Ntcheu central constituency.

He was also a writer and has left two books behind titled “Nobody’s friend” and “Political Prisoner 3/75 of Dr. H. Kamuzu Banda” where he highlighted his experience as a prisoner at Mikuyu prison during Kamuzu era when he was detained without trial.

Mpasu’s  last born child Chisomo Mpasu who voiced her eulogy on behalf of her sibling said the family had lost a pillar.

“We are saddened by his death. He was  a loving father who took initiatives to unite the family despite living in different localities. Dad was a pillar to the family,” said Chisomo.

The funeral service was attended by several dignitaries which included former speaker of parliament Louis Chimango, Speaker Richard Msowoya and her deputy Esther Mcheka Chilenje, leader of opposition Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, Magochi South legislator Lilian Patel  who represented United Democratic Front (UDF) the party under which Mpasu served as Minister and secretary general.

Other mourners included  parliamentarians, cabinet ministers, chiefs, clergy and government officials among others.

He was born in 1945 and is survived by six children.

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Maunsa
Maunsa
6 years ago

Ntcheu should also be talking about investment in roads like the one to Tsangano and many other key activities if it is to augment those efforts.

7777999
7777999
6 years ago

Go thee well. You are a model for all of us from ntcheu. In your death we remember with tears the other ngonis like Inkosi Gomani. General Khanga. John Ngwiri, Martin Gwede. John Mbejere. Dick Matenje. We would like to ask government for re- burial of two other sons of ntchewu in the name of Albert Andrew Muwalo Nqumayo and Lt Colonel Njoloma.
There just a few of great sons of ngonis . May all rest in peace

Peter Mathanyula
6 years ago

Ambuye muwapatse anthu akufa chiusiro chosatha ndipo kuyera kosatha kuwalitse maso awo. AMEN

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