By Thupuwera Nkhondokonse
Former President Peter Mutharika has donated 1 million kwacha to each pastor of the Blantyre Synod who came to page house for prayers.
The donation is seen as a strategic move to win the support of the influential religious leaders ahead of the upcoming elections.
According to sources, Mutharika has also made several promises to the Blantyre Synod pastors.
If he wins the election, 8 pastors will be appointed as Presidential advisors, 50 will be appointed to parastatal boards, and 50 will be appointed to embassies.
Additionally, some pastors will accompany the President on foreign trips.
In return, the Blantyre Synod pastors are expected to conduct sermons that critique the current government and praise Mutharika.
They are also expected to remind their congregations of the death of Chilima and to tackle the issue of rising prices of goods in their sermons.
Furthermore, there are reports of a planned revolution against some leaders within the Blantyre Synod.
The move has sparked controversy, with some critics accusing Mutharika of attempting to buy the support of the religious leaders.
Others have expressed concern that the donation and promises may compromise the independence and impartiality of the Blantyre Synod pastors.
Meanwhile Blantyre Synod has issued a press release disowning pastors who conducted prayers at page house.
“The Synod would like to publicly confirm that it neither sanctioned,approved nor in any way endorsed the said visit.The ministers concerned did so in their personal capacity and for their own personal interest.”
