By _Bashir Amin
When the chance for a truly all-well-meaning political alliance to rescue Malawi from the clutches of autocracy and economic ruin presented itself, many self-proclaimed political heavyweights turned away. Gripped by egotism, they declared that they could not settle for anything less than the positions of First or Second Citizen. Whether out of callous arrogance or poor judgment of their own popularity, they dismissed the cries of weary Malawians who only desired salvation from a precarious national state.
They toured the country chanting, “Mipando yonse yonona atenge okha, ngati ali madolo awine okha osati ife, ndipo ife tiima patokha ndipo tiwina.”
But when the ballots spoke on 16th September, their inflated dreams deflated — spectacularly.
Then came Enock Kanzingeni Chihana, President of the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) — a centre-leftist party grounded in the principles of social justice and egalitarianism. Two years into the Tonse Alliance administration, Chihana stunned the nation when he announced his departure from what he termed “a ship of animosity.” It was a bold and principled move — a statement of conscience rather than convenience.
While others were desperately clinging to the corridors of power, Chihana refused to be complicit in the social and economic disparities that had become the hallmark of the MCP-led government. At a time when political opportunists were busy ingratiating themselves with those who controlled the public purse, Chihana took the opposite direction — guided not by appetite for position, but by conviction and patriotism.
Though eminently qualified and well-resourced to contest for the nation’s highest office, Enock Chihana chose humility over hubris. He accepted what some would humorously refer to as “the third spouse in a political trigamy” — a gesture that spoke volumes of his statesmanship and selflessness. When every temptation to “dine with the Masters” beckoned, Chihana looked the other way and instead humbled himself before Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika (Adadi) at Page House in Mangochi — driven by a singular purpose: to save Malawi.
While selfish politicians immersed themselves in the murky dealings of fraudsters, charlatans, and conmen within the then-government, Chihana was flying across borders — not for leisure with his beloved Tadala, but to mobilize resources for campaign materials that would help reclaim Malawi’s destiny.
At a rally in Chiradzulu, he declared with conviction that he would use every resource at his disposal to help Professor Peter Mutharika restore proven leadership. True to his word, Chihana campaigned relentlessly, passionately, and unapologetically for the cause of national redemption. His wit is unmatched, his love for country unwavering, and his political appointment as Malawi’s Second Vice President is not only befitting but also essential — given his deep understanding of international relations, governance, and public management.
Today, as those who once ridiculed the office of the Second Vice Presidency grapple with the shock of their dismal electoral performance, Malawians celebrate Enock Kanzingeni Chihana — a man whose humility and patriotism have elevated him to the nation’s third-highest office.
While some were documenting and justifying the previous administration’s orgy of corruption and deceit, Chihana was charting a path of hope. Now, as he stands side by side with President Peter Mutharika and Vice President Dr. Jane Ansah, Malawians can finally breathe again — assured that the nation’s leadership is anchored in experience, sincerity, and vision.
Truth, as always, has a stubborn way of revealing itself. While others chickened out, Enock Kanzingeni Chihana showed up — to lead, to serve, and to save Malawi.
