The UTM Party has barred leaders of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) from attending a memorial ceremony for the late Vice President Saulos Chilima, stating that the move is aimed at preventing possible unrest and preserving the dignity of the event.
Speaking to Times Group, UTM spokesperson Felix Njawala said emotions surrounding Chilima’s death remain raw among party supporters, with many still demanding answers over the circumstances of the tragic plane crash that claimed his life.
Njawala said the party feared the presence of MCP leaders could trigger tensions, including booing and accusations, during the commemoration.
“We have many questions about Chilima’s death and party members still view them with a different eye. We do not want situations that may disturb the ceremony,” he said.
He added that UTM had witnessed incidents during previous gatherings in Lilongwe and did not want a repeat at an event meant to honour the former vice president.
“We forgive and have forgiven each other, but people’s hearts are still bleeding. We want this memorial to maintain respect for the person we are celebrating,” Njawala said.
The UTM spokesperson, however, clarified that ordinary MCP supporters will still be allowed to attend, saying the restriction only applies to party leaders.
“We are not talking about members, members can come. We are only referring to leaders,” he said.
Njawala also accused some MCP leaders of disrespecting Chilima through remarks made at political rallies, despite the role he played in returning the party to government after 31 years in opposition.
He described the memorial as a national celebration of a man who served Malawi in different capacities.
“This is a memorial to a man who was vice president of this country, leader of UTM, a Catholic leader, a golfer, and a man who belonged to the people,” he said.
Chilima died alongside eight others on June 10, 2024, when the military aircraft they were travelling in crashed in Chikangawa while en route to the funeral of former Attorney General Ralph Kasambara.
