By Ernest Mfunya/Mana
The body of former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Dr. Clement Chiwaya was on Saturday laid to rest at Mpondasi Village, in the area of Traditional Authority (TA) Mponda in Mangochi.
Chiwaya who until his death was an executive member of the United Democratic Front (UDF) shot himself dead with a pistol at the office of Clerk of Parliament on Thursday morning.
Speaking during the funeral ceremony at Mangochi Stadium, Speaker of Parliament, Catherine Gotani Hara, who represented the State President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera described late Chiwaya’s passing as a loss to the nation and the people of Mangochi saying he will be remembered as a hard working person who was developmental conscious.
“It is very heart breaking to note that a son of this soil who wanted to see the country develop has left among us all, as government we are shocked with Dr. Chiwaya’s death,” she said.
Hara asked the deceased family to stand strong on Chiwaya’s death as they were mourning him and that they should ask for God’s intervention in the difficult moment.
In his eulogy, UDF President, Atupele Muluzi expressed sadness saying the UDF lost a wise leader who always cared for the people of Mangochi Central Constituency.
“Chiwaya was a leader who was wise and promoted unity,” said Muluzi, adding “We will remember late Dr. Clement Chiwaya as a loving person who loved everyone despite his or her political party and religion.”
He, therefore, asked people who had gathered at the funeral ceremony to emulate the life of late Chiwaya saying he left a legacy of love and peace in the country.
Willy Mbelenga who spoke on behalf of the deceased family said the family was shocked to lose Chiwaya whom he described as a strong family pillar.
According to Mbelenga late Chiwaya was like a father to the family as he always assisted and advised every member of the family when in the wrong.
“The family has lost a pillar and we are going to miss him. He taught us a lot and for that we are thankful to him, may his soul rest in eternal peace,” said Mbelenga.
People in Mangochi and other parts the country gathered at Mangochi Stadium to pay their last respect among them government officials, former first lady, Gertrude Mutharika, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President in the Eastern Region, Bright Msaka, former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Esther Chilenje, Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Kondwani Nankhumwa and several traditional leaders.
Late Dr. Chiwaya who is survived by a wife and six children was born on 16 May 1971 and served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Mangochi Central for 15 years as a member of UDF.
