Mulhakho carvinal fever grips Malawi: Gawa Undi to send envoy
Kalonga Gawa Undi, the Chewa supreme ruler for Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique, will not come to attend the annual Mulhako wa Alhomwe celebrations scheduled for October 28, Nyasa Times has learnt.
The Mulhako wa Alhomwe, an ethnic grouping founded by the late president Bingu wa Mutharika, will hold the annaual carnival at its headquarters at Chonde, Mulanje.
Speaking in an interview with Nyasa Times, former Malawi Vice President Justin Malewezi who is the Chairman for Chewa Heritage foundation in Malawi, confirmed that Kalonga Gawa Undi will not be available.
“The Chief is not coming because he is engaged with other businesses but still more he will send a representative,” said Malewezi.
He however confirmed that the Mulhakho wa Alomwe gurus indeed extended a special invitation to Kalonga Gawa Undi to attend the festival which.
New Patron
The appointment of a new patron for the group is one of the priorities at this years festival.
This is follows the death of Mutharika who died in April this year.
Bingu died after suffering for a cardiac arrest at the New State House in Lilongwe ON April 5.
According to Nyasa Times investigations and some information from Mulhakho wa Alomwe’s inside sources, young brother to the late Mutharika Peter, is the one given the mandate to take over the leadership and running of the Muhlakho wa Alomwe foundation as a patron.
Budget
The event’s chairperson responsible for transport and venue Leston Mulli said the budget for this year’s event has doubled and will cost over K80 million (about $268 000)
He disclosed that aid apart from the financial support totalling K30 million (about $100 000), the organisers have received 20 heads of cattle, 20 sheep and 50 goats from Lhomwes and other well-wishers nationwide.
Entertainment chairperson Betty Seyani here will be a dance competition and a vigil on October 27 to commemorate the late president Bingu wa Mutharika’s life and his contribution to the group whereas the main event will be on October 28.
Apolitical
Reverend Louis Mwanamvekha of the grouping said Mulhako wa Alhomwe is not a political group as many people perceive.
“Mulhako wa Alhomwe was formed to revive the Lhomwe culture which was declining among Malawians. The group wants to teach its youth the Lhomwe’s way of life and as Lhomwes, we want to strengthen unity between us,” said Mwanamvekha.
Mulhako wa Alhomwe was formed on October 25 2008 to promote the Lhomwe culture in Malawi.–(Additional reporting by Elijah Phimbi, Nyasa Times)
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