Mutharika says Masauko Chipembere monument to be erected in Malindi: ‘I fight hate with love for those who hate me’
President Peter Mutharika has announced that government would consider erecting a monument for late Henry Masauko Chipembere in Malindi, Mangochi in honour of the architect of this country’s independence in 1964, for having summoned founding president Kamuzu Banda home from exile to lead the country’s anti-colonial battle.
Chipembere later led an armed revolt in Malindi against Kamuzu Banda. He alongside Kanyama Chiume, Yatuta Chisiza, Willie Chokani and other Cabinet colleagues, fell out with Banda in what became known as the Cabinet Crisis of 1964, just two months after independence.
President Mutharika in his address to Anglicans at Malindi, Mangochi during 120th celebration anniversary of St. Martin’s Hospital, described Malindi as a historical place in the country and that he had emotional connection to the place through late Henry Masauko Chipembere who came from the area.
Mutharika described Chipembere as a ‘brilliant and charismatic’ leader who fought against oppression during the early years of the one party regime in the country.
“This celebration tells us that whatever we see in this country, there is a history behind it. There is a beginning for everything.
“But very often, we take things for granted because we do not care about where we are coming from. We take what we have for granted,” he said.
“We take everything for granted because we do not often care about those who struggle and suffer for things we have and now enjoy,” Mutharika added.
He called on Malawians to unite, love one another and develop the country together, adding that he does not believe in fighting hate with hate.
“I have learnt to forgive my enemies. I fight hate with love for those who hate me. There are some religious leaders who hate me, but I want to tell them I love them,” he said.
He added: “And in my life as a servant of the people, I learn many inspiring lessons from King David. David faced many trials. David was not a perfect man, but by faith, David prevailed over his trials.
“There are times when some sought to destroy his innocent life. There were times when people became jealous of David just because he was doing his job right on the battlefield.”
The President said both government and the church should never be distracted by those who serve other forces, adding that these forces fight to discourage them.
“Even when they gather to outnumber our cause, our faith, God assures us that He will set confusion in the camp of the enemy. And we only need to be still and know that He is God,” Mutharika said.
Malindi’s first sign of change after the end of Banda’s dictatorship, was introduced by the administration of President Bakili Muluzi’s United Democratic Front, UDF, when he was elected to office following Malawi historic multi-party elections in 1994.
The UDF honoured Catherine, the widow of Chipembere, with a Cabinet position after she was elected to Parliament on its ticket.
In addition, it initiated the construction of a tarred road, albeit a single narrow lane that turns off from the Bakili Muluzi Highway but ending 30 kilometres after Malindi.
The Mutharika administration with financing from China is also constructing a full tarmac road from the Mangochi turn-off through to Malindi and up to Makanjira.
The project has generated much excitement, with expectations of new opportunities of employment.
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Chipembere was a rebel who picked up arms against a legitimate government. Now this old man recently arrested Wandale who rebelled against him and sentenced him to Zomba Mental Hospital and that is what he meant in a clip that is circulating. Would someone build a statue for Wandale? Kupusa uku. To talk about bandits nkupusa. Chipembere and Yatuta were armed by the communist government of USSR. Today the old Muthalika is the biggest beneficiary of Kamuzu developments like Kamuzu Palace and Chikoko Bay. That is why Bingu honored Kamuzu by building him a statue and a decent resting place. Uwu mukuchita Alamu Pumani Mwakalamba ndi uchitsiru. Kanyama Chiume grave is pathetic at area 18. Chakufwa too. Build a statue of your father at Goliati usanafe in a few years time from today. Wandikwiyitsa.
I totally agree with you. The 1964 Cabinet crisis is one sided story. Indeed Chipembere wanted to stage a coup. Even in a modern day democracy his acts could not have been condoned by anyone. Which country In the world can allow what Chipembere and others did?
takanena ku nkhata bay zimenezo uone posiyila
@Alamu Pumani Mwakula kuba:
Insults at the end serve no purpose, except perhaps to dilute your argument.
Furthermore, NOT all rebels were created equal (it depends what one is rebelling against) and NOT all presidents were created equal (ie. Kamuzu Banda was the WORST, in Malawi, due to his grave criminal abuses, and blatant disregard of human rights even by the standards of the day. And Nwalimu Nyerere, just next door, was good.)
You want to spend millions of money on a statue so that poor people should see it ?
Mbuzi ya president.meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !
You are the one hating your vice president. There is no religious group that hates you, may be you are thinking that Livingstonia Synod hates you bwana, NO., the synod cannot be clapping hands for you like Bishop Malasa when people are suffering while you are getting kick backs from Zammer , the synod just like any church stands for light, nothing else. People hates your style of leadership and polices, stop being nepotist, corruption, and start caring for the needs of Malawian then they will clap hands for you, apo ayi mmmm iwalana ndipo anthu ochuluka sakukondwera ndi ulamuliro wanu bwana ngakhale kwanu ku Thyolo anthu akufuna kusintha basi
politics. u cant understand. i see politics from church and govt. this is the result. remember one time a church wanted to cobine parties to form one party ask ur friends they know it
Iam 200% DPP but Mass is right no need to honour Chipembere and Yatuta Chisiza they wanted blood shed. God fight our battles at his own time. We should also stop honouring Chilembwe whose conduct did not befit a man of God
Ayamba kuganiza after continuous pressure from Chilima. The new kid on the block is making political leaders think. Even Chakwera has jacked up.
Sikudana nanu, koma chilungamo chache nchoti mwakalamba. Sitikufuna maliro a president 2nd term ife
iwe sudzafa? Uli ndi matenda kale apo kkkkkk
Mr Maliseche, please stop speaking from both sides of your mouth……….you are the one who said ndidzawanyenyanyenya, I will throw a ton of bricks, I will arrest them
Mdala wachekura uyu. Para wakuyowoya visyuli vikupanthanga nge popokone
DR GETRUDE MUTHARIKA i see you. Kkkkkk.
Let Malindians have a statue of their son, and let them bask in the glory.
But, the President would also do the right thing by getting another statue built smack right on Chipembere Highway in Blantyre. Say, near the Clock Tower or the Chichiri Roundabout. And built it so high that people will look at it in owe, as they walk or drive by it.
How about Messers Chokani, Lubadiri, Kanyama Chiumie, Orton Chirwa,, Mrs Rose Chibambos etc etc?….
Tichiike pa Queens hospital ku Blantyre Kamuzu chipirala chake chinamangidwa ngati ku Kasungu?
Is this an after thought,, a campaign stunt or both
You should have thought about that before building Gandhi’s statue in Blantyre …….. Kuganiza mobwelera …….retrogressive thinking,
Chipembere was a rebel.Why did he resort to take arms against the governent.In this situation what did you expect Dr Banda to do? Smile? If APM cannot stand Chilima who has decided to form party,what did you expect of someone who attacked the country. He got what he deserved.
I would rather the govenment build a school, hospital or other scruture and name it after chipembere than a statue
Brilliant
If he Will build that road we will surely vote for him
Listen/Watch Cruise five on cabinet ciris with Thengo Maloya one of the ministers in Dr Banda cabinet to appreciate what really happened.
You don’t erect Chipembere monument in his home village. You already have Chimpembe Highway in Blantyre. Take out Mahatma Gandhi and put Masauko Chipembere there.
So in your wisdom and intelligence unleashing a ton of bricks on your perceived anemies is peaciful? .
SHAAAAAAAAA MY PRESIDENT.
Monuments are still considered as development? Mayo mayo…..
We hate you because you’re a thief. Sorry, no love for thieves.
Mr President, who will visit Malindi for Chipembere instead of Blantyre or Lilongwe? Why not on Masauko Chipembere High way? Consult Cultural Specialists in the Country for good decision makng please
This man is and old fool, nepotism and tribalism is at its course and you never bothered to address it. Stature is not development the are running out overseas where is the future? I dont blaim you, your age speaks volume you cantn’tmake good decision due to that.
Masauko Chipembere was a national freedom fighter so why erect his statue in Malindi. This is flawed thinking. It should be erected in Lilongwe or Blantyre.
Mr President if it’s true that you don’t hate anybody but love your enemies that’s good but did you get your vice to prove this?
This how we should live . Let love lead.You have set a good example. God bless you Mr President
Paja inu mumagwa chifufu eti? Good example yake iti?
Zobaaaaaaaaaa iwe! He would have set good example if he demonstrated what he has said on the issues between him and Chilima!! Paja ma cadet ndinu a sukulu ya kwachaaaaaaaaaaaaa!! Kuganiza kumakuvutani nchifukwa mungomvela zili zonseeeeeeeeeee
Look at the devil preaching. APM comparing himself to King David? A corrupt, thieving President like him? I cringe in anger and disbelief every time this President preaches about love, tolerance, unity, integrity etc etc. Those are virtues that he himself lacks. What made us Malawians elect this joker? Sad thing is, we may elect him again.
Do same in the north by erecting monuments for the sons and daughters who fought for freedom from there. The list is endless no-one has so far been honoured anywhere in Malawi and yet you got guts name Karonga-Chitipa highway after your brother. Today in Malindi you preaching a different story in a sheep skin when you are a wolf! How many things you promised that haven’t been fulfilled to date including building Universities? Shame on you!
Thanks to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi this govt is working hard to cover up its inefficiencies, thanks to Chilima its started to implement some essentials although wrongly but we got the message you can you just not serious! Any govt that takes it people for grant must fall!!
Whats all this talk about enemies, you have political rivals not enemies. All we are saying is that you are clearly too old and frail to be given another 5 year term.
Your speech in Malindi was proof that you have lost your marbles. You claimed Chipembere was detained for 2 years with hard labot at Zomba Central Hospital for example, pure and utter nonsense.
Step down and retire before you get forced out at the ballot. You have failed to stem corruption and all sorts of malpractices under your leadership. Step down sir, for your own sake.
Kamuzu tinamuvotera when he was 88 years.
@BigMan:
Nanu inu eh!
You articulate your ideas with clarity now. And can you say for sure that age will reduce your mental capacity, say in your seventies, that you cannot make fundamental decisions with fair and smart advice?
Clearly, and fundamentally, mental capacity is related to age alright, but it is NOT the only factor; and it may not even be determinative for some people.
This age hypothesis is peddled mainly by Chilima supporters and adherents.
Now, I don’t like to argue based on examples, but in this case it is apropos to probably point of that Mahathir Mohamad, a man who shone the brightest economic lights on Malaysia, is back in the Prime Minister’s Office. And he’s now 93 years of age. But one example of a shining star in his dotage.
And there are many “young” despots and incompetent political leaders all over the world.
When you see people just talking about age instead of articulating real issues it means they have nothing to offer.