Tenthani killed in car crash: BBC, Associated Press correspondent in Malawi

May 17, 2015 Nyasa Times Reporter 232 Comments

Respected journalist and influential columnist Raphael Kinn Tenthani was killed Saturday night in a car crash at Kamwamba, Zalewa Road.

Tenthani: The muckracker is killed in a car crash
Tenthani: The Malawi Muckracker is killed in a car crash

Details were sketchy but an eye witness Tiya Somba Banda, a Super League of Malawi treasurer general said it was “terrible” accident.

Tenthani’s body was taken to Mlambe Hospital mortuary in Blantyre and later transferred to College of Medicien.

His two children who survived the accident are at Queens Elizabeth central hospital receiving treatment.

He was a freelance journalist , a BBC correspondent and well known for his popular column, “The Muckraking” which appeared on Nyasa Times, Sunday Times and was also well known for providing political analysis on topical issues.

Tenthani was also a correspondent for Associated Press  Pan African News Agency, the Maravi Post and Nyasa Times.

He was named by Malawi’s flagship online news Nyasa Times as its ‘person of the year’ for 2014 (http://www.nyasatimes.com/2014/12/31/nyasa-times-person-of-the-year-goes-to-malawi-media-and-tenthani)

Tenthani was also Best Columnist, MISA Malawi Awards – 2012, for Daily Times  and UN Media Award 2010, for Associated Press Millennium Development Goals (MDG) correspondence.

Human rights campaigner at Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitations (CHRR) Makhumbo R Munthali said Tenthani’s detah is “great blow” not only to the media fraternity but also to the entire democratic governance realm.

“ He was an activist in and out, a true patriot that exposed the gaffes of our collapsing public service without fear and favour. He will be remembered as one of the fiercest columnist who called a spade a spade – a scenario that often landed him in bad books with those in authority,” Munthali told Nyasa Times.

Tenthani has been the subject of controversy for his candid reporting on political issues.

 

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232 replies on “Tenthani killed in car crash: BBC, Associated Press correspondent in Malawi”

  3. Words are so scarce to express the shock of losing such a fine & renowned journalist.Malawi has lost the voice of the voiceless who fearlessly made the political leadership stand on their toes.

  7. thats ur tactic of killing ur opponents.JB anakukanikani, nw u decided to kill Thenthani thinking that u wl now rest? Mawa ndiyanu mudziwe.,palibe wamuyaya…min. Of infor. have ur say again.

  11. Apolisi a Malawi. Mumadziwa kuti msewu umenewu anthu oipa amaika miyala usiku ndipo ngozi ikachitika amamubera wopanga ngoziyo kenako mkuchotsa miyalayo? Ine mwai kuti ndinali pa galimoto lammwamba bwenzi dzinthu ngati izi nditaziona ndithu. Anthu ake ayenera kukhala omwe aja amkasanduka afisi aja. Komanso mafumu ammadera amenewa akuyenera kudziwapo kanthu pa dzawanthu oipawa.

  12. May his soul, rest in peace.Ana ake tikuwafunira kuchira msanga.A big loss for the nation,

  13. We lost a natianal figure,it wl be diffucult for us to replace him,may his soul rest in peace

  14. RIP Mr Tenthani, we shall miss you dearly! Whether man made or God/Satan, a ginious writer/informer/critique is gone for ever!

  15. Have peaciful rest, Raphael, quick recovery to the survivors. May God of mercy sustain his family.

  20. Pali anthu ambiri omwe adafa pa ngozi.Tenthani sioyamba kufa pa ngozi yotelo kuno ku malawi.Mzimu wawo uwuse mumtendere.

  22. politics of africa. u cnt survive withawt khini ukaone asinga afta saying the truth!! crap.com. but kinn mu ur soul
    rest in pis!

  23. may his wonderful soul rest in eternal peace… I wish I could ask him, why he was into politics that much. during the floods most of my foreign friends observed that the late had nothing to write on that. it had to take a foreign correspondent to do a little string on the same. were not the floods more important than the mickey mouse politics…we gasped for breath. the same friends told me today ralph tenthani is gone…too bad too sad. well he left a great legacy. saecula saecolurum! dominus nobiscum.

  24. This is very sad news; Tenthani’s death is a great loss to Malawi, and to those who believe in free speech. I really hope there is no foul play in his death. May his soul rest in peace. We will miss his intelligent and fearless analysis of Malawi’s politics

  26. Tangofufuzani chachitika ndi chiyani ? tizindikile kuti palibe amadumpha siku lake lakufa zonse analemba chauta zikwanilisidwa

  28. Its a shock to hear the passing of one of the prolific journalist Ralph Kinn Tenthani.May sincere condolences shd go to the bereaved family during this trying period.We loved him but God loved him most.May his soul Rest in Eternal Peace.

  33. No Janseen am just a mere St Stanislous+Nankhunda ex-Seminarian with an ever persevering zest on Languages. Indeed God is the Father always(Deo et Patria Semper) 0884511727. May Ralpael Rest in eternal peace. Amen.

  35. Ralphel Tenthani one-man crusader,fearless journalist of our times…very sad.Sincere condole nces.Zosakoma.RIP

  36. I am absolutely shell shocked. Sunday Times will never be the same without the Muckracker. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

  37. From God we came, and to Him is our final return. You will be remembered for your great job.RIP.

  39. Kumanda kupita anthu-anthu ngati Ralph kusiya zitserekwete. Gona bwino mnzanga ndidzakupeza!

  44. My first impresion is that the mafia party known for killing people like Chasowa is behind the death of Tenthani. Chipani chankhaza komaso choopsa zeeedi popanga upandu. Kumbukani truck ija adaichuna kuti imalize JB ku Lilongwe, chipani cha dzigawenga

  45. was he drunk?…I hear anali okonda kuledzera kwambiri…MHSRIEP….I loved his analysis on political issues…..

  46. Mkuluyo akuoneka kuti anayamba kutupa ndi kachasu. kapena sindikuona bwino? his death is the same as gadama. mcp know how to do that.

  48. This is a great loss to the nation. He provided the checks and balance to the government where some of us would not dare speak because of our in born fear of unknown. MHSREP.

    To the bereaved family, may the Good Lord strengthen you in this trying and difficult time.

  49. Nonse Amene Mukuti Amupha Ndi A Dpp Ndinu Anthu Osapemphera, Dzitsiru Komanso Dzidempete. Ndani Angapange Ngozi Ngati Imeneyi? Musamaike Ndale Pa Chilichonse Amalawi. Mhsrip

  50. It’s a very big brawl to journalism fraternity indeed. The guy was calling a sped by its name and a shovel by its name, he never pretended in his criticism. But his death as of now is a mysterious one because there are no details of how actually did it happen,did the car overturn or he smashed into another vehicle? In this tragedy there are more questions than answers. Therefore I suspect some arson like operations from the ruling elite. Tenthani was a real journalist with pure English his articles did not contain any unnecessary mistakes as many of nyasatimes authors I used to enjoy his articles and will miss him big time.

  51. Am deeply shocked and saddened with the untimely demise of one Brave Tenthani. He was my model and a source of inspiration of course. His articles were full of substance,balanced,professionally critical,well written and attractive to readers. No wonder whenever he put his pen on paper,the work churned out drew a multitude of reactions to the extent that the state president would feel the heat and publicly urge him to cease fire!! He built a muckraking community that i hope will never relent on providing checks and balances and watchdog journalism to the powers that be. He has left an indelible LEGACY of holding authorities be it Govt,Opposition or CSOs accountable to their actions! Mother Malawi will miss you. R.I.P Raphael Tenthani

  53. I wanna greatly and profoundly miss him, why do people with value die so early? leaving zitsilu ngati enawa….eeeh iweyo… I dont know what to say….anyway

  54. So you people want us to believe it was an accident? no please save me from such a lie

  56. Am very much shocked with the death of Raphael Tenthani. Tenthani was my journalist who inspired me to join the career. May his soul rest in eternal peace till we meet in God’s glory.

  57. I am greatly affected, The deceased was my sole reason I loved nyasatimes…..
    Please clarify the circumstances relating to the reported accident..amatero? kungoti wafa pangozi basi

  61. I Demand an immediate investigation into his untimely demise circumstances. I was not there but according to this document, it is not a natural death. To the family, I sadly say, ”You are not alone in this trying moment,we are broken with you. God the greatest friend should console you” Enanu mutaseno nanga si mphaka wafa mxiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii

  62. Great sons of the soil. There was Chinyeke Tembo,there was Jika Nkolokosa,there was Edward Chitsulo today there is not Ralphael Tenthani. Sit sempiterna gloria,qui vitam sine termino. Nobis donet in patria.

  63. Everything you said was TRUE! Those that were topics of your political analysis should feel ashamed that you are gone before they could show that they can do better. You are above them now in every respect! RIP.

  64. It was a matter of time. No way DPP would let his articles appear every Sunday. Ntata, Hon Chakwera and Hon Chilima are the other people am scared of their lives. Dausi the undertaker doing his best just like he was in old MCP.

  66. IWE NANKHUMWA, UMUPEMPHE PITALA AFUFUZE IMFA YA TEMTHANI OSATI YA BINGU.
    SHUPITI INU A DPP

  70. May this accident be investigated Your Excellency? plz help the nation to know the truth of this death!

  71. osamangoganiza za ufiti nthawi zonse ,these people they drive carelessly ,thats the prize

  72. Gone too soon Raphael. A unique and rare professional talent Malawi has lost for good. Truly irreplaceable. May his soul rest in peace.

  73. Why Ralph why? May your soul rest in peace… your column.. muckraking on sunday was the very reason I was buying the paper…..eish this life! MYSRIP

  74. What a year! Hardly 3 months ago it was Edward Chitsulo, now it is Raph. Is this natural? To me this looks like DPP’s handwork. How sad. Malawi has lost the MAIN opposition party. RIP Ralph and Chitsulo. You did yr part.

  77. This was a great son on the land. Malawi has lost a rare breed of a journalist, we will not get a match in our generation. There are so many many readers who could my the Sunday paper just to read his articles. A man who minced no words where truth was to be told. May his soul rest in eternal peace. We loved you so much.

  78. Uyu ndiye apha ndia dpp,it ws aplanned move and uve done it weloo,we ddnt see but God dd,u wll surely pay 4 this,evry1 wth Raphaels blood wll die apainful death,just because amakudzudzulani basi mwati shud be elimnated,u r worse thn th devil himself.RIP Raphael

  84. Anyasa times can u plz find out more on this terrible accident. This iS wird

  90. so sad for Malawi to lose such a fighter for justice through the pen. its barely two months when we lost another great journalist, Edward Chitsulo. These are among the finest journalists that Malawi has ever produced and I never missed their articles. RIP

  93. Very sorry indeed. First it was Bishop Zuza now Tenthani where is Malawi heading to? Only God knows the trueth. May His Soul Rest in Peace.

  94. KUPEMPHERERA ANTHU AKUFA: Ambuye muwapatse anthu akufa Chiusiro Chosatha ndipo Kuyera kosatha kuwalitse maso awo, awuse ndi mtendere, Amen.

  98. Malawi roads are not safe, too many prominent people are dying on these bad roads. govt pliz sort yourself out and fix these roads to international stds or all the bloods on these roads are on your hands. Loss of a great man again, RIP.

  99. Ralph, I am mourning for your kids, left alone. I am mourning with your beloved family, fellow journalists and all those who enjoyed reading your articles. I will NOT ask why you have died now and why in that way because similar questions before have not been answered. RIP!!!!!

  100. As we make dausi innuendos let us also remember that in Malawi we have nasty habits of drinking and driving and even late in the night after spending sleepless nights. We also tend to do this when we have family members like children in the car, please Malawians let us stop drinking and driving

  101. A MALAWI NDI ANTHU OVUTA MAGANIZO,ASK WALTER NYAMILANDU,PEOPLE WANTED TO ELIMATE HIM IN A CAR ACCIDENT

  103. Hope it’s not the work of the state machinery, MHSRIP..Waiting to hear from the Children how it happened..

  105. I am sure this is not an ordinary death. The same guys tried to kill him again some years back through the same ‘staged accident’ but he survived. MHSRIP.

  106. This is DPP work and their Zikwanje cadets. Dausi, Ben Phiri and Mukhitho ndi amene apanga zimenezi paja samapuma naye bwino his column called The Muckracker. Remember how Joyce Banda was almost killed in a staged car accident at Kanengo in LL in 2011. Mwapha dala munthuyu mzimu wake ukukanthani mosakhalitsa. This is a staged car accident! Anthu oyipa inu Alomwe!

  111. Very very very sad how do we lose Edward Chitsulo then Raphael Tenthani within such a short period of time???? May his soul rest in peace.

  112. Malawi has lost a constructive man.Abale osamafa zimajournalist za ‘Yes Bwana’ zinazi.Malawi izingokhala ya anthu a mantha okhaokha.Aaaaaaa ndalira.
    MHSRIEP

  119. Democracy has lost a true son. Malawi has lost a true son. May the good Lord comfort his family as they pass through this most painful and turbulent time. May his soul rest in eternal peace!

  120. The writer didn’t explain what the eye witness did see.Intelligent boss must explain this is Daws’s work.MHSRIP

  121. UKATI UTCHUKETSO KWAMBIRI NKUPANGA ZINTHU ZABWINO ASATANA AMBIRI MMENE AMAKUZUNGULIRA MPAKA AKUGWETSE, NDIYE PA NYATSA LAND UMOYO WAKE UMENEWO.
    THE COUNTRY HAS LOST A MAN, FEARLESS BUT CONSTRUCTIVE INSTALLING TRANSFORMITTORY DRIVES IN PEOPLE.
    PART OF LIFE.
    MHSRP.

  123. RIP. I liked your witty jabs and you kept them Presidents and those in the corridors of power on their toes. For that, I greatly mourn you. I will also miss your style. After, Jika and Chitsulo, you were the only one with a distinctive touch. Your weakness however, was that you had a soft spot for JB. For that I dont mourn you! You were also a pathological critic of DPP. I will not mourn you for that either. Am only being candid, just as you made us believe you were.

  127. Sure, this is morning joke. This sad news has already ruined my day. Why if I may ask? The name Raphael Tenthani reminds me the Sanjika saga where HE intended to corrupt Malawi journalists and it was Tenthani and few others who spilled the beans.i don’t understand. RIP

  129. what a shocker and a miss! Do we expect to have another brave man who always hit a nail by its head? We r lost now and so the gvt.

  130. His Grace Bishop Zuza died in an accident recently, scores of Malawians continue to die in Malawi roads everyday. Who said a prominent journalist cannot die on the road? If his death is orchestrated by some quarters of the political realm it is quite unfortunate but like many Malawians, anyone can die on the roads. MHSRIP

  133. RIP son of Malawi, a country with a history of perceived staged car accidents and fire accidents. The truth is that no one will remain as seed( palibe amene akhale ngati wa mbeu), we shall all see death by God’s command!

  135. A great man who spoke without fear or favour. I see happy faces now in the DPP camp

  136. Tell me this is an early morning joke. I never liked Tenthani, but his feath is a shocker altogether. MHSRIP

  139. I am jot judging. Just my gut feeling. Mr. Dhausi and Mr ruler, you should have a hand in this! This is a terrible day for democracy. We seem to be heading back to the Matenje, Gadama, etc days!

  143. Was this a normal accident or it was man made? Will surely miss you muckraking giant. Death is cruel. Raphael ‘s pieces were the reason I could drive on a Sunday to get the Sunday Times. You have been the reason I could save my talk time to browse Nyasatimes on a Sunday to get the objective analysis of our current affairs. Mhsrip.

  145. Am devastated by Raphael Tenthani’s passing. While we are yet to comprehend with Edward Chitsulo’s death, Tenthani’s body is lying cold today. I have no reason now to read the Sunday Times. The beacon of writing is gone. Oh no! Ngati mwamupher njiru mmmmh ayi ndithu mwatilakwira a Dausi komwe muliko

  147. What a loss to our Nation He was such a prolific and fearless writer May his soul rest in eternal peace

  150. When sanity could somehow be dreamed of, when some stupid decisions were reversed, when reality was spoken and when change could be tasted, here goes the pioneer of all this. If Malawi had a few more of this genius, this stupid Malawi leadership could have reached or moved some steps. I for one liked this guy and I hope Peter liked him also for his awakening articles but the boot lickers did not this is why they have done this evil, God is watching, I doubt if you will live for ever, surely you will reap your deeds not very long from now, rest in peace Raph and your family be comforted.To journalists, please rise up and write the truth, the Chachachas, Mussas,Kasakulas, Munthalis, please take cover.

  151. That’s how death goes no need to talk more!
    “man born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.
    He springs up like aflower and withers away; lIke afleeting shadow,he does not endure(JOB 14:1~2) NIV every one never know when and will be called. be ready for we dont know about tomorrow.

  153. Ntchito za manja a DPP. The evil party at it again just as it did with our dear Chasowa but God will revenge on October 13, 2015. Mark my words. RIP dear Raphael.

  156. you may kill him, but his soul will haunt you forever……………….everyone knows that this is a plot by DPP govt

  158. Rest in peace dear brother. Thats the most painful way to die. Your writings and what u stood for will live forever. I can imagine someone is very happy with this. My prayer to your children who almost perished with you.

  161. Politicians especially those of DPP may have a hand on this, pls lets investigate this. RIP

  163. This is really a heart breaking news and shall greatly miss his services to the nation.
    RIEP

  164. Strange the details of accident are scanty? How? Did he corride with another car or what. Speculations sre hugh in the absence of details

  165. Ma Cso kayende basi ka demo – we want full and transparent investigation of circumstances surrounding death. Otherwise this government must go, after all there is nothing much that they are doing. but I am sure that jb will cry u Ralph. kapumeni. times group please take care of his kids – amalize maschool.

  166. Uhmmm ngati Ali ambuye zikomo ngati Ili tracing in a Mugabe way of killing then hmmm tsoka kwa inu . Mwathana naye? Koma bola musaphenso Ana ake kuti asadzapelekele umboni

  167. RIP but some of us who knew the dude know that he was a useless drunkard and would dress scantly as if he had just been discharged from mental hospital. Ask sikwese at kamba and he will tell you how useless the dude was and I suppose he was driving under the influence of alcohol. Please don’t blame the DPP for this accident. It was an accident just like any other accident. The Dpp had no time for such a side. He used to mock Bingus death as if he was going to leave for ever.

  168. Inna Lillahi wainna illaihi rajiuna, to God we all came from and to Him we shall all return to. We shall miss you Ralph, but God has a purpose for calling you when we needed you most.

  169. It’s a sad day in Malawian journalism. There isn’t anyone else of his calibre currently in yet game. Today might be the last day in a long while I enjoy reading “Muckracking on Sunday” (Nyasatimes, get the title right!)

  170. “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” – Thomas Jefferson

    RIP

  174. We’re all touched with this tragic loss, there are different ways of leaving. may his soul rest in peace.

  178. Big up Mr President and your team!!!! 24 months in government and that’s the only notable achievement you can celebrate about!! Shameful! Remember your brother did the same by eliminating Chasowa and you know how things ended up for him, your guess is as good as mine! But you know what! Heavens are watching!! Your days are numbered! Surely! Surely your actions will never go unpunished!! HEART BROKEN!!! RIP PAL!!!

  183. I will miss your column, RIP. Mwayenda ngati Chasowa because of critiquing the ruling elite on MSB and other tax payers money syphoning projects! Your death is not natural as others claim Bingu’s was.

  184. …..what do you expect from someone under pressure week in week out, izi ndi ntchito zawo akanganya awa, akonza! Remember the other accident involving George Kasakula on his way from MISA elections? Zayambapo!

  188. It was no accident. He was assassinated by Mathanyula and his blue gangsters. Where is the army? Operation bwezani!!!!

  190. The voice for the invisible , the voiceless has been silenced by Mathanyula and his boys

  191. Requiescat In Pace
    Dominos vobiscum
    Why are details scanty was he pushed to eternity . We need a very thorough investigation by Scotland Yard.

  192. a Dausi mwapangilanji izi? Why using mbuli to appease your president?

    Beware BB, you are on the list.

  193. National tragedy. Who will speak now for timid Malawians used to clapping hands even when someone is cutting off their heads? Reminds me of the same loss of George Matewele,Levison Lifikilo. Raphael was one not attracred to cheques. He wrote realities and did not fear positions. RIP,Raphael

  197. Very sad indeed. A big loss to the bereavement family, Democratic world and the few wisest sons and daughters of our beloved Malawi.
    “Je suis Muckcracker”, hope it’s not Zim thugs way of eliminating opposition.
    The truth will remain though.
    RIP Tenthani and may the great comforter, holy spirit of God take over your broken hearts.

  202. how the hell can he go like that? he was bringing some sanity to Malawian dirty politics. The only pressman who could poke sense into the head of whoever is steering Nyasaland. R I P …

  205. Very sad news God may be will you R.I.P brother very very sorry and i wish your two children speed recover at Queens Elizabeth Hospital

  207. I suspect foul play. In Malawi we dont respect human life. we are like Boko Haram, Al Shabab, i kaida, and others. Lets get civilised and respect human life. What is Seodi going to say on this one, suspicious?

  208. This sure needs an inquiry if it is natural or staged as was happening in the pioneer days. Look we have a senior pioneer boss somewhere in the a senior sensitive position in government

  210. DPP at its best but we wl not allow this madness Raphael may ur saul rest in peace DPP should nowbless for hard times we hate this party

  212. we will miss him – was true son of the nation who used to write the truth without fear. may his Saul rest in peace

  216. No no no; not this time when Malawi needed you the most. ‘Indeed we are from GOD, and to him we shall return’ will miss you heavily.

  219. We have lost one of the great sons of malawi his touching and moving articles we shall live to remember and cherish yes you could move polical mountains .May his soul rest in eternal peace.

  220. Shocking news. Let us hope there was no foul play from dpp thugs!!

    Malawi has lost a great beloved son!!! May his soul rest in eternal peace.

  222. May he rest in peace. I knew him for a very long time working for Nation Publications. Life is strange indeed

  225. Nononono! why why. Why! mr Tenthani go like this(R I P),I was waiting for sunday’s muckrucker column and today (16/05/15)kumamva za ngozi its so sad,So shud we say isn’t natural death or what?mr Nankhumwa answer me these question-Osman currently in south africa!

  228. The real leader of opposition has died. Where You wrote and spoke for many Malawians. Rest in peace Ralph

  232. If true, I strongly suspect foul play. The gentleman was a thorn in the flesh of this administration. Timva zambiri.

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