By Twink Jones Gadama
Apostle Clifford Kawinga, a prominent religious leader in Malawi, has come under fire for his inflammatory remarks targeting Muslims, particularly those practicing polygamy.
During a recent relief maize distribution event, Kawinga denied assistance to Muslim women, citing their involvement in polygamy as the reason.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning Kawinga’s words as discriminatory, insensitive, and unbecoming of a religious leader.
The affected Muslim women, who had gathered to receive the relief maize, were left disappointed and distraught, forced to return home empty-handed.
Kawinga’s remarks were not only hurtful but also misguided.
He claimed that Muslims who practice polygamy are economically stable and therefore do not deserve assistance.
However, this assertion is not supported by facts and ignores the complexities of poverty and economic inequality.
Polygamy is a legitimate practice within Islam, and many Muslim families in Malawi and around the world engage in this practice.
To deny assistance to individuals based on their religious beliefs or practices is not only discriminatory but also violates the principles of equality and justice.
The incident has also raised questions about the role of religious leaders in promoting tolerance, understanding, and social cohesion.
Kawinga’s remarks were met with a chorus of “Amen” from his congregation, which has been widely criticized as a disturbing display of intolerance and bigotry.
The Muslim community in Malawi has been swift in condemning Kawinga’s remarks, calling for greater respect and understanding between different faith communities.
The Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) has issued a statement expressing its disappointment and concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for religious leaders to promote peace, tolerance, and understanding.
As Malawi prepares for the upcoming elections, the incident has also sparked concerns about the potential for religious intolerance and discrimination to influence the political landscape.
The country’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equality before the law, and it is essential that these principles are upheld and respected by all citizens, including religious leaders.
In the aftermath of the incident, there have been calls for Kawinga to apologize and retract his statements.
The Apostle has yet to respond to these demands, and it remains to be seen whether he will take steps to address the harm caused by his words.
As one observer noted, “The incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of religious intolerance and the importance of promoting greater understanding and respect between different faith communities.
It is essential that we hold our religious leaders to account for their words and actions, and that we promote a culture of tolerance, empathy, and compassion.”
