By Burnett Munthali – Political Affairs
On Friday, 20 June 2025, His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika arrived at Chileka International Airport to a warm and highly symbolic VVIP reception.
The former Malawian president was welcomed by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters, dignitaries, and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officials, signaling his continued relevance on the national political stage.
Mutharika’s arrival was marked by pomp and celebration, with traditional dances, party chants, and banners bearing his image lining the airport’s arrival terminal.
The VVIP treatment afforded to him underscored his enduring stature within the DPP and among a section of the Malawian electorate that views him as a symbol of stability and experienced leadership.
Dressed in a navy-blue suit and waving to the crowd, Mutharika appeared calm and confident, reinforcing speculation that he may play a decisive role in shaping the opposition’s strategy ahead of the 2025 general elections.
Senior party figures who accompanied him to the airport reiterated their unwavering support for his continued leadership and hinted at major political announcements in the days ahead.
The former president’s arrival comes at a time when the DPP is consolidating its structures, reviving grassroots support, and signaling its readiness to reclaim power.
While Mutharika has yet to officially declare whether he will contest again, his appearance at Chileka was widely interpreted as a political comeback moment.
Analysts say the VVIP reception could be the DPP’s strategic move to reignite public interest and galvanize its base ahead of potential electoral alliances or internal party primaries.
Public reaction has been mixed, with supporters praising his return as a moment of hope and continuity, while critics argue that Malawi needs a generational shift in leadership.
Nevertheless, the magnitude of the welcome Mutharika received shows that his political capital remains potent, especially in key Southern Region strongholds.
As the country approaches a pivotal election season, Mutharika’s re-emergence will likely influence not only his party’s trajectory but also the broader dynamics of Malawi’s political landscape.
Whether as a candidate, advisor, or elder statesman, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has once again placed himself at the center of national attention.
