Malawi Cables
In a dramatic and controversial twist, allegations have surfaced claiming that outgoing President Lazarus Chakwera and senior Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials are pressuring the family of the late Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) to prevent further public scrutiny into his death.
Sources indicate that family members, including Chilima’s wife Mary, his brother Ben Chilima, and cousin Joshua Valera, have been approached for private meetings by government representatives. These interactions have reportedly been marked by persistent attempts to dissuade the family from supporting public demands for further investigations into the tragic incident.
One notable figure, Richard Chimwendo Banda, is alleged to have told a family member that the government’s goal is to protect Chilima’s legacy and prevent his name from being exploited for political purposes.
“Saulos Chilima needs to rest and be respected. We are not happy that Malawians, especially politicians, are using his name to score political gains. Together with the family, we should work to preserve his integrity,” Banda reportedly stated.
These developments come in the wake of growing public suspicion surrounding Chilima’s death in a plane crash in June 2024. Contradictory accounts from government and military officials about the crash, rescue operations, and subsequent investigations have fueled widespread calls for transparency and further inquiry.
The Chilima family has reportedly requested the government to provide a detailed agenda and list of delegates before agreeing to any closed-door meetings.
Meanwhile, Malawians continue to demand an independent investigation into the crash, with many alleging foul play. Critics suggest that Chilima’s increasing political influence and perceived threat to the MCP government could be motives behind the incident.
As the controversy deepens, concerns grow over potential interference with justice, with claims that the MCP is pushing to use legal channels to block further probes into the Vice President’s death.
Ohava Ohava Thapella
