By Suleman Chitera

The Malawi Government has defended its decision not to officially invite political parties to this year’s Kamuzu Day commemoration, describing the event as a national state function held in honour of the country’s founding president, Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

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Minister of Information and Digitalisation, Dr. Shadreck Namalomba, said the 14 May 2026 ceremony was organized by government because Dr. Kamuzu Banda was Malawi’s first Head of State and a key figure in the country’s history.

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Speaking amid criticism from the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Namalomba stressed that the commemoration is not a political gathering but a national event open to all Malawians regardless of political affiliation.

“The ceremony is for every Malawian because Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda was the founding leader of this nation. That is why government established this day and everyone is free to attend,” said Namalomba.

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The minister’s remarks follow complaints from the MCP, which argued that the ruling party had not been invited to participate in the official event commemorating the late former president.

Namalomba further emphasized that attendees at the state function are not expected to wear political party regalia or clothing associated with any political grouping, saying the event should remain neutral and focused on national unity and remembrance.

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The developments come as the Malawi Congress Party announced plans to hold its own separate Kamuzu Day remembrance gathering immediately after the government ceremony. The MCP event is expected to take place at the party’s headquarters in Lilongwe.

According to the party, former State President and MCP leader Dr. Lazarus Chakwera will attend the function as the guest of honour.

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The parallel commemorations highlight continuing political tensions surrounding the legacy of Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda, who remains one of Malawi’s most influential and controversial historical figures.

Kamuzu Day, observed annually on May 14, was established to honour Banda’s contribution to Malawi’s independence and nation-building. The day continues to attract political and public interest as different groups seek to associate themselves with the founding president’s legacy.

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Political analysts say the disagreement over invitations and separate ceremonies reflects the broader competition among political parties to claim ownership of Kamuzu Banda’s historical influence ahead of future political contests.

Despite the disagreement, government officials insist that the official state ceremony is intended to unite Malawians in remembering the country’s founding father and preserving national history.