UTM Vows to Uphold Chilima's 'Vision' After Deadly Crash
Kaliati called Chilima, who was 51, "a multi-talented person who inspired, advised and educated his followers with passion for the betterment of Malawi."
LILONGWE, Malawi- The United Transformation Movement Secretary General assured supporters Sunday it would uphold the "vision" of its late leader Saulos Chilima and urged national unity as Malawi mourned the vice president, who died in a plane crash last week, writes Martin Kamlaike.
In a eulogy at Bingu National Stadium, UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati depicted Chilima as a unifying, principled politician who moved away from Malawi's traditional "tribalistic and regionalism" politics toward an issues-based approach that inspired many.
"Malawi has lost a visionary, resilient, courageous and peace-loving leader," Kaliati told thousands gathered for the state funeral service led by President Lazarus Chakwera.
She said the party's leadership would "work hard" to achieve Chilima's goals for the country.
"I urge all UTM supporters and Malawians at large to maintain peace and remain united as they mourn their fallen hero, as a sign of respect to their leader," Kaliati said.
The UTM leader thanked the Roman Catholic Church for honoring Chilima and assured his wife Mary that the party "will never forsake her but be the pillar" going forward.
Kaliati called Chilima, who was 51, "a multi-talented person who inspired, advised and educated his followers with passion for the betterment of Malawi."
Chilima died June 10 when a military plane carrying him and eight others to a funeral crashed in northern Mzimba district shortly after takeoff.
No cause has been determined, but growing calls for an independent probe prompted Chakwera to vow allowing international investigators.
Other speakers recalled Chilima's dedication to democratic reforms, public service and promoting ethnic harmony in the socially conservative nation.
Chilima's body will be buried Monday in his home village of Mbirimtengerenji in central Ntcheu district.