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.

Minister of Health Atupele Muluzi welcomes President Mutharika at Malindi
Mutharika briefed about the hospital situation
President Mutharika, First Lady and Minister of Health Atupele Muluzi sing hyms

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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Alamu Pumani Mwakula kuba

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.… Read more »

Msasa
Msasa
5 years ago

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?

jogoda
jogoda
5 years ago

takanena ku nkhata bay zimenezo uone posiyila

Ntengo wa Kesia
Ntengo wa Kesia
5 years ago

@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.)

Emarire vava
Emarire vava
5 years ago

You want to spend millions of money on a statue so that poor people should see it ?

Vinjenje
Vinjenje
5 years ago
Reply to  Emarire vava

Mbuzi ya president.meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee !

Thyolo Thava boy
5 years ago

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… Read more »

jogoda
jogoda
5 years ago

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

Mtenzi Mzungu
Mtenzi Mzungu
5 years ago

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

Katakwe
5 years ago

Ayamba kuganiza after continuous pressure from Chilima. The new kid on the block is making political leaders think. Even Chakwera has jacked up.

Timpudza Mwansambo
Timpudza Mwansambo
5 years ago

Sikudana nanu, koma chilungamo chache nchoti mwakalamba. Sitikufuna maliro a president 2nd term ife

Ndaonavino
Ndaonavino
5 years ago

iwe sudzafa? Uli ndi matenda kale apo kkkkkk

Vindere
Vindere
5 years ago

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

Tabenetabene
Tabenetabene
5 years ago

Mdala wachekura uyu. Para wakuyowoya visyuli vikupanthanga nge popokone

SILENT MAJORITY
SILENT MAJORITY
5 years ago

DR GETRUDE MUTHARIKA i see you. Kkkkkk.

Mwananyanian
Mwananyanian
5 years ago

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.

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