Reports have emerged confirming that former President Arthur Peter Mutharika quietly left the country on Monday June 2, 2025 for medical attention in South Africa. The confirmation has sparked renewed debate about his health and suitability to return to active politics as he seeks to reclaim the presidency in the September election.
Rumours started making rounds the same day he was sneaked out of the country, but his party the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and family have not been forthcoming to make an official announcement or confirm the development.
According to multiple sources within the Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services, Mutharika departed Malawi on the morning of Monday, via Chileka International Airport, accompanied by his wife, former First Lady Gertrude Mutharika.
Sources speaking to public broadcaster MBC confirmed the ex-president’s departure, claiming airport staff were advised to exercise discretion during his exit from the country.
While the DPP and government have not officially commented on the matter, the absence of any public appearances by Mutharika in recent weeks has fueled speculation regarding his health.
Despite being a campaign season, the 86-year-old politician has not been seen at major public engagements, campaign activities, or party meetings for months, despite being confirmed as the DPP’s presidential candidate for the September poll.
The task of conducting public rallies has been left to his party officials led by the Director of Youth Norman “Pythius Hiwa” Chisale, who recently has been selling APM to the electorate unconcerned with his ill-health and age.
Mutharika’s personal spokesperson and DPP publicist Shadric Namalomba has been dismissing the reports of the former President’s deteriorating health as fabrications orchestrated by political enemies.
“These reports are completely false,” said Namalomba during an interview with one of the local radios. “There are individuals who are uncomfortable with APM’s popularity and leadership, and they are spreading lies to create panic and confusion among our supporters.”
Despite the denial, the credibility of the reports has been strengthened by eyewitness accounts at Chileka and consistent testimonies from immigration officers, who say Mutharika boarded a flight under tight secrecy.
Mutharika’s trip for medical reasons has reignited concerns about his fitness to lead, particularly given his advanced age and recent public inactivity. Born in 1939, the former president will be 86 by election day, making him the oldest presidential candidate in Malawi’s history.
While age alone does not disqualify one from running for public office, critics argue that the physical and mental demands of the presidency require a candidate who is not only experienced but also in good health and capable of executing the rigorous duties of office.
“This is not an issue of discrimination,” said a political analyst based in Lilongwe who asked not to be named. “It’s about capacity. The presidency is a 24/7 job. If a candidate cannot be physically present at campaign events or public debates, how can we expect them to govern effectively in a time of crisis?”
Others note that Mutharika’s apparent reclusiveness raises questions about whether he is being used as a political placeholder by factions within the DPP that are divided over succession.
After losing the court-sanctioned 2020 Fresh Presidential Election to President Lazarus Chakwera, Mutharika remained largely silent before announcing his intention to seek a second term. His return bid was met with mixed reactions—from enthusiastic support among DPP loyalists to skepticism among analysts and civil society observers.
Critics argue that Mutharika’s administration, which ran from 2014 to 2020, was marked by widespread allegations of corruption, nepotism, and economic mismanagement. His return, they argue, would represent a step backward for a country still struggling to recover from the legacy of graft and misgovernance.
Key figures from Mutharika’s previous administration, including his security aide Norman Chisale and several former cabinet ministers, are currently answering various charges ranging from abuse of office to unexplained wealth and financial crimes.
The DPP’s recent silence on internal reforms or accountability further complicates its campaign message, especially under Mutharika’s unchanged leadership.
“There’s a nostalgia being sold, but it’s dangerous,” said a governance expert. “APM’s presidency did not end with a legacy of reform or development. Instead, it ended under a cloud of scandal and incompetence. To bring him back is to revive that era.”
The current uncertainty surrounding Mutharika’s whereabouts has also raised concerns about transparency. As a presidential candidate and public figure, Malawians have a legitimate right to know the health and status of someone seeking to lead them for the next five years.
“If he’s fit and well, then let him appear publicly and campaign like other candidates,” said one activist. “But if he is indeed unwell and hiding behind spokespeople, then we need to reassess whether this is a genuine campaign or a manipulation of the electoral system.”
Some citizens have taken to social media, questioning why the DPP remain silent on such a significant development. Others have demanded proof-of-life photos or videos to quell speculation and prevent the spread of misinformation.
If the reports are accurate and Mutharika is in South Africa for medical care, several political scenarios could unfold. One possibility is that he returns in time to resume active campaigning, albeit under close medical supervision. However, any extended absence from the campaign trail could weaken his candidacy and embolden challengers both inside and outside the DPP.
It is also possible that the party may be forced to consider an alternative candidate — a move that could further destabilize the already fractured DPP. The party has struggled with infighting over succession, with Vice Presidents like Bright Msaka, Joseph Mwanamvekha, and Alfred Gangata eying the same party presidency.
The DPP’s internal divisions were evident in recent months, with regional leaders openly disagreeing on strategy and endorsements. A sudden exit or prolonged illness for Mutharika could plunge the party into crisis, just months before the general election.
Editor’s Note: This story will be updated once official confirmation is provided by the Mutharika family, the DPP, or the relevant government agencies.
