The children of Malawi’s former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika APM have officially confirmed that their father will step down as the presidential candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) due to his declining health.
According to his children, Moyenda and Monique Mutharika, the decision was made out of concern for their father’s wellbeing.
They stated that after thorough discussions with their father and close family members, it became clear that his health could no longer withstand the physical and mental demands of a presidential campaign or leadership role.
The Pangolin Online caught up with the two daughters all the way from the USA where both are based along their brother Mahopela.
During the interview the two daughters revealed that arrangements have already been made to take the former president to the United States of America for specialized medical treatment.
This will mark the first public acknowledgment by his family that the former president is in need of high-level treatment not available locally, and that his condition is serious enough to pull him out of national politics altogether.
Moyenda emphasized that this decision was not taken lightly but was in the best interest of APM’s health and dignity.
“We know some people still love and believe in our father’s leadership, although most of them is out of greed and selfishness, but his body is no longer allowing him to carry this heavy responsibility. It is now time to focus on his health,” she stated.
Moyenda and Monique also disclosed that they have been in communication with senior DPP officials regarding the transition and possible replacements ahead of the general elections scheduled for September 16, 2025.
The children expressed gratitude for the support and loyalty of Malawians who had hoped to see APM return to active politics, but they urged the public to understand that his current medical condition does not permit him to continue in that capacity.
The position from the Mutharika’s two children comes at a time when intense speculation and division have gripped the DPP over APM’s ability to carry on with his presidential bid.
This follows his public appearances that have visibly shown a man exhausted, frail, and at times disoriented, raising national concern over his physical and mental state.
According to Monique, APM’s declining condition has long been a matter of private concern.
She disclosed that as his children they have had limited access to their father for months, with party loyalists and inner-circle handlers allegedly controlling who sees him and what information he receives.
“We’ve had to fight just to speak with him. He’s surrounded by people who don’t love him, only what he can give them. They’ve built walls around our father. But we won’t stay silent anymore,” said Monique, with emotion in her voice.
According to sources close to the family, it was only in recent days, after finally being granted direct and private time with him, that the children were able to have an honest conversation about his health and political future.
That moment, they say, led to a painful but necessary decision.
“This is about his life. Not a campaign, not power, not votes, his life,” said Monique.
Recently the APM’s family also came out pleading with DPP to leave their brother alone. Even after the family’s plea, the DPP seems not to be ready to officially confirm Mutharika’s withdrawal, with some members continuing to push him as the party’s torchbearer.
The party’s failure to issue an immediate and respectful statement has only heightened public suspicion about the DPP’s motivations.
Political observers believe that the DPP was planning to prop up Mutharika until the last possible moment, either to protect internal power deals or to delay choosing a successor, likely to avoid internal fractures.
“This is a man who served Malawi, but now, he’s being used like a pawn. When your own children go public to say enough is enough, that tells you something is deeply wrong,” said one senior political analyst.
It is yet to be seen whether the DPP will now come out after APM’s children have spoken out.
