By Burnett Munthali
A planned visit to Mangochi District Hospital by Malawi’s former President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, and former First Lady, Madam Gertrude Mutharika, has been unexpectedly postponed.
Shadric Namalomba MP, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Presidential Spokesperson, revealed that the Mangochi District Commissioner declined to grant permission for the visit, following its announcement on social media.
The visit, aimed at cheering up patients, had been widely anticipated, with many expressing disappointment at the decision. Questions have been raised about the impartiality of local authorities in blocking the visit, fueling concerns about political interference.
Adding to the controversy, President Lazarus Chakwera announced his own visit to Mangochi District Hospital on the same day initially set for Professor Mutharika’s appearance. This unexpected move has ignited speculation about the motives behind the cancellation and its potential political undertones.
Critics have voiced concerns about the risk of politicizing humanitarian gestures, emphasizing the need for such acts to transcend political rivalry. The incident has also sparked debate over the role of district officials in managing public engagements by political figures.
Namalomba has since apologized for the inconvenience caused and assured the public that a new date for the former president and first lady’s visit will be announced.
As Malawi heads into an election year, the spotlight on political actions intensifies. The developments in Mangochi are a reminder of how intertwined politics and public events can become, raising questions about fairness, governance, and priorities in the country’s political landscape.
