Livingstonia Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) clergy on Monday clashed with ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regional committee members when they met at Mlowe, Rumphi, where they went to sympathise with families affected by a boat accident on Lake Malawi.
The synod General Secretary Reverend Levi Nyondo, his deputy Reverend Joseph Mwale, Moderator Reverend Douglas Chipofya and CCAP General Assembly Moderator Reverend Timothy Nyasulu were blocked from conducting prayers at the funeral ceremony of one of the deceased.
With Bibles and hymn books in their hands, the pastors were first blocked by DPP Regional Governor, Kenneth Sanga, on their way to one of the houses where victims and bereaved families were being accommodated on the pretext that Minister of Finance, Goodall Gondwe, wanted to meet them at a different place.
“I think you can go back down the lake because Hon. Goodall Gondwe is coming to deliver condolence message to the families. He cannot make it to this place, hence asking the families to move to a proximal place,” Sanga told the men of God while showing them their way back.
However, Nyondo, who could be seen smiling at the whole scenario, ignored Sanga and proceeded on foot for close to a kilometre towards the house.
Nyondo and fellow synod clergy, however, were completely blocked by Traditional Authority (T/A) Mwamulowe who asked them to go back.
“DPP officials have told us that all speeches and other activities should not be done here [at the residence] because Gondwe cannot manage to come this far. So we are told he will be arriving soon. So may we all go back,” T/A Mwamulowe said.
However, Nyondo disputed Mwamulowe’s decision, challenging the chief and party officials that the church had no interest to follow a politician’s programme.
“We have disembarked our vehicles down there and walked to this place because our church doctrine respects funeral traditions.
“We are proceeding there to conduct a funeral service and later deliver our condolence message. Thereafter, you can proceed with your political programme,” Nyondo challenged while proceeding to the house.
The clergy from the synod proceeded with their funeral service programme, which DPP officials absconded.
Later during the day, Gondwe assured the deceased families of government’s support.
He said he would discuss with President Peter Mutharika to secure funds and construct a road that should connect Chitimba and Tchalo via Mulowe.
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