Politicians unite to mourn Mpinganjira sister’s
Political heavyweights from almost all the country’s major political parties descended to the mountainous district of Mulanje on Monday to attend the burial ceremony of Ruth Chimwemwe Mpinganjira, a sister to ruling People’s Party (PP) treasurer general Brown James Mpinganjira.
The governing party showed total sign of force and dominance as majority of the mourners clad in the orange regalia symbolizing PP’s insignia.
The PP delegation was led by its Secretary General Henry Chibwana accompanied by Clement Stambuli, Salim Bagus, Ali Mbalaka, Peter Chupa, Ettina Koloviko, Mary Clara Makungwa, Irene Liabunya, Minister of Water Development Richie Muheya, Charles Mchacha, Rev. Peter Kaleso and several others.
On the part of opposition parties, the United Democratic Front (UDF) was also well represented with Dr. George Mtafu leading the delegation while the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) had its newly appointed spokesperson and former diplomat Dr. Tony Kandiero as its representative.
But it was former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regional governor for the south Noel Masangwi who brought the funeral proceedings to a brief halt when he appeared with his entourage, mainly his committee members, much to the excitement of the phalanx of mourners.
Others included former UDF strongman Humphrey Mvula, Hophmally Makande, Ebie Mathanda, , Ina Mezalumo, Bertha Masiku and lawyer Viva Nyimba.
It was this show of solidarity and unity in diversity which PP’s Chibwana hailed and went further to appeal for coexistence among the political parties for the sake of the country.
In his eulogies, Chibwana hailed the deceased as selfless mother who also contributed significantly to the formation of the ruling PP by assisting in setting up grass root structures in the district.
Chibwana said Presient Mrs. Joyce Banda was equally “saddened” with the death of Mpinganjira’s sister and said the first citizen was with the family in ‘these trying moments’.
“Ruth was an achiever both to the family and the party at large. She was very close to her brother because she was easing him with some of the responsibilities and this gave BJ ample time to dedicate his energy to the PP because he knew there is a pillar in the family in the name of his sister.
“Her Excellency the president Mrs. Joyce Banda has sent me here to represent her because she has some assignments in Zomba but she has kept in touch with Hon. Mpinganjira throughout Ruth’s sickness. When news of her death broke out, the president was first to send her condolences to the bereaved family. She was dedicated member of the party and helped us throughout in so many ways, as a party we will sadly miss her,” said Chibwana.
Apart from politicians, the funeral was also attended by hundreds of business people and corporate executives from around the commercial city Blantyre and surrounding districts as well as members of clergy.
Meanwhile, according to family member Francis Mphepo, a former aide to late Bingu wa Mutharika and a cousin to Mpinganjira, the deceased who until her death was an employee of National Bank of Malawi, succumbed to Tuberculosis and has been sick for some time.
She is survived by two daughters and several orphaned children she was looking after.
Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :
