Sam Mpasu dies: Ex Malawi minister and Speaker found dead in his house
Sam Mpasu, Malawi’s former Education Minister and Speaker of Parliament, is no more , a relation identified as Stanley Wasi who found him at him home confirmed to Nyasa Times.
Mpasu, a former secretary general of United Democratic Front (UDF, was among the most prominent critics of President Peter Mutharika.
He was president of New Labour Party.
Confirming his demise to Nyasa Times, family spokesperson Wasi said; “It’s true he has died this morning and we are currently on our way to College of Medicine for other arrangements.”
Asked whether the veteran politician complained of any poor health, Wasi said they were equally in the dark as to what could have killed him.
He said Mpasu, who was fondly called by his Ngoni name ‘Biyeni’ was leaving alone in the house.
During one party dictatorship under Malawi Congress Party (MCP) arrested him over his vocal criticism of the regime.
He was also jailed in 2008 when Bingu wa Mutharika was in power for six years where he served prison sentence with hard labour in a high profile corruption case when he spearheaded the nation’s free primary school education as Minister.
A British firm, Fieldyork International, was contracted to supply books and penc ils several corners were cut to speed up the deal. It was revealed that a local company offered to supply the same for less than the British firm had offered but the bid was ignored.
About US $92m was lost through the deal.
Mpasu contributed a lot t o the democratic process of Malawi from dictatorship, the fruits which included t h e prevailing independence of the judiciary.
A renowned writer and free-speaking politician, Mpasu was born in1945 and served as in the Cabinet of former president Bakili Muluzi
He served as a diplomat in the foreign service for the Malawi mission to Germany. While in diplomatic service in Germany, Mpasu wrote a book titled in 1975 ‘Nobody’s Friend’ which consequently landed him in prison because the Kamuzu Banda regime thought the book was about the country’s first president. He was eventually detained at Mikuyu Prison for two years without trial.
He also authored a book titled ‘political prisoner’ which highlighted his experience while in detention at Mikuyu Prison.
From 1978 Mpasu worked at Lever Brothers (now Unilever) in various capacities until 1988 when he was seconded to run the Malawi Confederation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (MCCCI).
In 1991, while working for Xerographics, he joined a secret group headed by Muluzi whose aim was to build up opposition to Kamuzu. The UDF was voted into government in 1994.
Mpasu was elected Member of Parliament for Ntcheu Central, appointed Minister of Education and Government Chief Whip in Parliament.
He later served as Minister of Commerce and Speaker of the Malawi House of Assembly. His appointment as Minister of Commerce met with a lot of resistance since he was the Speaker of the House at that time. The court attempted to block President Bakili Muluzi from posting him to this position. Mpasu later accepted it.
According to Wasi, Mpasu is survived by six children and hailed from Ntcheu district.
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Inu, Kodi siuja anapezeka kumanda uja Mpasu. Then which wife or relative can afford to stay with such a witch?
Mpasu anzache ndiachina Lutepo, Macholowe, Jumbe, Humphreys Mvula, Kwacha Ng’ambi, Sithole, Muluzi, Chanthunya. Chakwela, Jeffrey wa Jeffrey…. mbava zokhazokha.
Chiyenda yekha could have rotten in the house. Umbombo.
Why was this prominent figure living alone? At the age such people need attention. I understand even Bakili has no wife but he is under state care. The two are well known thieves. Bakili started stealing at the court and then k1.7 billion. Sam Mpasu was kabwerebwere. Malawians should not be fooled that Kamuzu arrested for fun. No even BJ did something wrong. Mapopa Chipeta forced a woman to abort but lied that he was exiled.
He has died alone as a NOBODY’S FRIEND’
Am so saddened by this man’s demise, MHSRIP………
Hard to believe that you’re gone Mr mpasu. May your soul rest in peace but what has postmortem revealed about his death? Mpasu was a public figure as such we deserve to know what has contributed towards his mysterious death
Besides his active political life, I will remember late Sam Mpasu for his very numerous and informative articles published in THE LAMP, a non partisan magazine printed by Montfort Media. May His soul rest in eternal peace!!
will miss him as an important person, in all REST IN PEACE!
Rest in peace
Anthu okhala okha ku Malawi kuno ndi ambiri paja akulu ena amakhalanso okhaokha ku BCA. Ena ankakhalanso okha akwatira posachedwapa chifukwa chachisankho posachedwapa nkhalamba inzawo imene nayo imakhala yokha. komabe sindiye kuti akamakhala okha sachita zadama ayi zadama nkati. Mzimu wanu uwuse muntendere a Sam Mpasu ndinu mmodzi mwaanthu amene mwamenyela ufulu tikunjoya lerowu.