The Livingstonia Synod of Church of Central Africa Presbytery (CCAP) yesterday, during the burial ceremony of the late Robson Watayachanga Chirwa, took a swipe at politicians who frequently change political parties.
General Secretary of the synod, Reverend Levi Nyondo, denounced the conduct branding it ‘political prostitution’ and said it reflects badly on the person’s integrity and their motive of joining politics.
He said such behaviour smacks of selfishness and greed at the expense of the people they claim to be serving, and asked them to exercise political discipline.
Nyondo thus challenged politicians present to remain faithful and committed to their political parties just like the late Chirwa, who at the time of his death was still a loyal member of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
“The late Chirwa demonstrated utmost loyalty, dedication and faithfulness to his party which should be emulated by some of us in politics today. Avoid political prostitution, it is possible to serve people and the nation from wherever you are,” Nyondo advised.
Adding: “The late Robson was a clean, faithful and dedicated politician. Unfortunately, the crop of politicians we have today are his direct opposite. They are dirty, pagans and passive.”
In his sermon, Reverend Morris Munthali, a former moderator of the synod, reiterated Nyondo’s sentiments and condemned what he branded ‘gross political hypocrisy’.
“It is a pity that when making such decisions you lie to the nation that you have consulted traditional leaders and the clergy, it is sad because most of such decisions are in search of opportunities,” he pronounced.
Munthali then also expressed concern over the worrying levels of corruption in the government and among politicians in general which he said continues to impact negatively on national development.
Some notable political figures who attended the ceremony were former Vice President Khumbo Kachali and Minister of Foreign Affairs Francis Kasaila who ironically, have in recent years changed political parties several times.
Other notable faces were leader of opposition in Parliament Lazarus Chakwera, Mama Cecilia Kadzamira and Minister of Home Affairs Grace Chiumia.
Commenting on the late Chirwa’s life, the two church ministers hailed the departed politician for his humility, discipline and love for the work of God.
The late Robson Chirwa died on Tuesday in Lilongwe at 86, and is well remembered for serving in the cabinet of Malawi’s first President Kamuzu Banda and also being among the trio in the presidential council.
His remains were buried at Yolamu Village in the area of Traditional Authority Mwabilabo, with military honours of a three-gun salutation by the Malawi Defence Force.
He is survived by a wife, Jean Mkweu, six children and over 20 grandchildren.
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