Family of late Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima has publicly condemned UTM and its leader Dalitso Kabambe for their attempts to use the name and death of the former Vice President for political gains.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Ben Chilima, brother to the late Vice President, emphasized that the family is organizing a private memorial and requested UTM and other opposition political parties to refrain from hijacking the commemoration for campaign purposes.
This is the second time that the Chilima family has condemned the UTM. Dr. Ben Chilima expressed the same sentiments during a memorial mass in Ntcheu, where the family expressed disapproval of UTM officials’ persistent attempts to engage them for political leverage.
In the wake of late Vice President’s tragic death in the Chikangawa plane crash on June 10, 2024, Malawi has been enveloped in mourning. The nation lost not only a dynamic leader but also eight other distinguished individuals. As the country grapples with this profound loss, the actions of the UTM have also sparked controversy and raised ethical concerns among many Malawians.
“It is sad and heartbreaking for UTM to use our son for political campaign. I mentioned it during the memorial mass in Nsipe but they have continued with their heinous agenda,” said Dr. Ben Chilima.
Despite the family’s clear stance and concerns from Malawians, UTM went ahead to announce plans to erect a memorial pillar at the Chikangawa crash site, claiming to have the family’s consent. However, these plans have not been carried through with sources within the party disclosing that the UTM is currently broke to undertake such a project.
UTM has also been planning memorial rallies and candlelight ceremonies which many have also criticized as politically motivated rather than genuine acts of remembrance.
Social media platforms have been rife with criticism, highlighting the need for political parties to respect the grieving process and avoid using tragedies for electoral gain.
Many Malawians have been wondering why the party is so interested now while they were snubbed the widow to the late Vice President, during the launch of the Saulos Chilima Foundation where the UTM leadership, including Kabambe, were not present.
“This behavior is bent on opportunism and political expedience, aiming to capitalize on public sentiment rather than genuinely honoring the late Vice President,” observed one concerned Malawian.
Meanwhile, the government has taken steps to honor all victims of the crash by constructing a national monument at the crash site in Chikangawa Forest.
This initiative, supported by civil society organizations, aims to commemorate the lives lost and serve as a historical reminder for future generations. The government’s approach underscores the importance of a unified national mourning process, free from political exploitation.
The exploitation of Dr. Chilima’s death by UTM for political purposes is not only disrespectful to his family but also undermines the sanctity of national mourning.
One civil society activist observed that as Malawi continues to heal from this tragedy, it is imperative that political entities prioritize empathy and respect over opportunism. Honoring the legacy of the late Vice President should be a collective, apolitical endeavor that unites the nation in remembrance and reflection.
