By Burnett Munthali

Amid growing social media reports suggesting that former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is unwell, senior Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) official Honorable Mary Navicha has come forward to refute the claims.

In a brief but decisive WhatsApp message, Hon. Navicha described the circulating information as false.

“It’s fake,” she wrote at 18:14 on Thursday, June 6.

Just a minute later, she added, “Thanks for sharing,” indicating that she appreciated being alerted to the rumors.

Her reaction follows a wave of speculative reports that suggested the former president may have been taken ill under undisclosed circumstances.

These unverified claims have been spreading rapidly on social media platforms, fueling public anxiety and political speculation.

However, Hon. Navicha’s firm dismissal of the rumors appears intended to reassure the public and supporters of the DPP that there is no cause for alarm.

The former Gender Minister is regarded as one of the senior party members with access to reliable information about Mutharika’s personal and political affairs.

Despite her dismissal of the rumors, efforts to obtain further clarification from other party officials have not been fruitful.

The Maravi Post reached out to DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba to comment on the matter.

However, Namalomba did not answer his phone when contacted.

His silence leaves Navicha’s comment as the only response so far from the DPP’s inner circle.

This silence, however, should not be misinterpreted as confirmation of the rumors, especially given Navicha’s prompt and direct denial.

Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, who served as Malawi’s Head of State from 2014 to 2020, remains an influential political figure and a potential presidential candidate in upcoming elections.

Given his stature, rumors concerning his health naturally attract public interest and political implications.

It is not the first time such rumors have emerged, particularly in the build-up to major political events or conventions.

In recent years, the spread of misinformation and fake news has posed a significant challenge to public discourse in Malawi.

Political figures and media houses alike have been forced to contend with the damage caused by false reports.

The public is urged to treat such sensitive claims with caution and to rely only on verified sources before sharing them further.

Until an official statement is issued by either the DPP or the Office of the Former President, Hon. Mary Navicha’s words remain the most authoritative denial on record.

Her swift response may help contain the spread of the rumor and prevent unnecessary speculation.

In the meantime, supporters of the former president will be watching closely for any formal updates.

As Malawi’s political temperature continues to rise, the role of truth and responsible communication becomes more important than ever.

Hon. Navicha’s prompt clarification stands as a reminder that facts must always prevail over fearmongering.