Rev Nyondo tells VP Kachali: Corruption rampant in Malawi
CCAP Synod of Livingstonia General Secretary Reverend Levi Nyondo on Sunday told Vice President Khumbo Kachali in the face that corruption is rampant in the country and called on government to address it.
The outspoken Nyondo said various audit reports have revealed abuse of public office and theft. He called for action to punish the thieves and wrong-doers.
He made the remarks during silver jubilee celebrations of Katawa CCAP church in the northern city of Mzuzu. The celebrations were held under the theme “Thanks giving to God.”
The cleric said the Synod will not stop to criticise government if things were not going on well in the country.
Reverend Nyondo, who is known for his frankness and fiery speeches, also said they will speak out against corruption.
He also spoke against some ills that are happening in the country like the destruction of Chikangawa forest and smuggling of maize to neighbouring countries.
“I would like to emphasise on corruption which is slowly gaining ground in some government departments. We particularly wonder how land acquisition process is done in our city as some well to do individuals easily acquire land but when the church tries to purchase it, it is always put on pending forever,” complained Nyondo who was applauded throughout his speech.
Nyondo also wondered how some people in the country smuggle maize to other countries yet the country has security checkpoints where it can be stopped.
During the celebrations, new Director of Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) Justice Rezine Mzikamanda received a certificate in recognition of his valuable contribution to the congregation and appreciation for his services as fundraising chairperson from 2001 to 2008.
Homosexuality, morals
The Synod’s General Secretary also spoke against same-sex liaisons, saying he church will vehemently oppose any move to allow homosexuality in the country.
“The CCAP Synod says ‘No’ to homosexuality in the country and it is sad enough to see that our own sons are in the forefront championing the whole mess,” Rev. Nyondo said.
“Whether Japan, Britain, America or any other donor says we should accept it, our argument still stands at ‘No’,” said Nyondo amid ululations from the congregation.
The cleric then attacked Malawi’s women dressing, saying it is eroding the country’s culture.
He cited what it locally known as “Flashing” where women deliberately expose their breasts or their panties to allegedly entice men.
“This is happening even in our own CCAP,” Reverend Nyondo pointed out.
Three years ago the DPP-led government arrested Nyondo and charged him with treason after his scathing speech during the burial of former Minister of Health Moses Chirambo. The government later dropped the charges.
Criticism welcome- VP
Kachali in his address said the Joyce Banda government will not arrest clergy who criticise it or tell the truth, saying the government will always work with the religious leaders in the development of this country.
“Always tell us where we are wrong and we will also tell you where you are wrong,” Kachali said.
He added: “As government we will always support you, the way you did during our trying moments.”
Kachali then thanked the faith community in the country for various contributions to the nation.
“There has been good partnership between government and various churches in the country which has helped our country to prosper. The CCAP Livinstonia Synod, for example, has helped government in health and education, among other sectors,” he said.
Before attending the silver jubilee service of worship, the Vice-President officially opened Katawa CCAP Primary School and a multipurpose hall built with funds raised from members of the congregation itself.
Kachali said the new school, which has eight classrooms and one administration block, will ease congestion in other schools in the city.
Speaking earlier, Mzuzu City MP, Professor Peter Mwanza, attracted boos for insinuating that the earth road to Katawa CCAP Church will be tarred because it is one of the roads on his development plans.
Congregants were heard saying “Waboza, Wakuteta”.—( Additional reporting by Wisdom Ngwira, Mana)
