Chilima eulogised

People from all walks of life congregated at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe to pay their respects to one of Malawi’s sons, the late Vice President Saulos Chilima who together with eight others, died in a plane crash at Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba on 10^th June.

His son Sean spoke in awe and admiration of his late father’s dedication to God saying he knew all praise songs by heart and would  always go to the longest available mass and help out as often as possible as a member of the protocol locally known as “Dongosolo

The young Chilima indicated that wherever he traveled locally and internationally, his dad would always look for a church to go to and was always the loudest when it comes to praise and worship songs.

Chilima also spoke on behalf of his mother to express how grateful she was for the gift of Saulos, his love and care he gave her during the time they’ve been together as a couple.

Sean was upbeat his father’s legacy will live on in the hearts of people he loved and that even as a family, they will continue remembering him as he will forever be in their hearts.

He said instead of looking at it as sad event, he’ll celebrate the life he lived and continue to be a good son to his mother and a good brother to Elizabeth.

“I’ll always love you dad and will see you later”

Mathews Mtumbuka one of Chilima’s colleague and church mate confessed it was difficult to celebrate a great life cut short by sudden death

He indicated that faith, hope and love which lasts forever best summarises the great person that the late Veep was who had an overflowing love, infectious to the people he met.

According to him, the faith which SKC had, decorated everything he touched and did and his efficiency was at a level so big that he did it with full resolve no half measure.

Mtumbuka described Chilima as the best among all the ten bosses he worked with as he was a boss that never bossed you and taught people in a respectful manner through actions and illustrations not issuing commands or hurling insults.

He said the Vice President’s impact was seen through his simplicity, smile and silence.

Dr. Chikosa Silungwe who represented all the deceased VP’s friends and associates disclosed that their relationship started when was when he was 19 years and Saulos 18 and has known SKC as an intelligent and charming natural leader who later became a business executive.

On 18^th December 2019, as he was getting ready to submit his application for the Presidential polls challenge, Chilima kept checking on him throughout the night to assure him he was remotely supporting him in the matter.

Dr. Silungwe said the Vice President’s unwavering commitment to duty was out of this world.

The former Attorney General joined calls for a state enquiry into the circumstances leading to his death challenging relevant offices to rise to the occasion and do a professional investigation.

He argued that being in public office; it’s a call to duty and supports it as a constitutional duty to be undertaken

“An honest and robust account shall accord the dignity and respect to the souls of SKC and others who perished on Monday 10th June, and most importantly lessons must be learnt from such tragedies” he enthused.

A family representative Dr. Ben Chilima said they will undertake their own probe to understand the circumstances which led to this tragedy which claimed the life of their relative.

He further said personal effects such as the clothes; ring and rosary are in the family’s possession.

A representative of Paramount Chief Gomani expressed sadness at the death and indicated his spear has been broken and his shield torn asunder.

“Impi Bhiyeni was an epitome of loyalty, courage and bravery in serving his people in what was right and just”

To the Ngoni’s a tribe Chilima belonged to, Bhiyeni was no ordinary man as he was humble, wise and an icon of global stature.

UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati who got applause as she delivered her remarks, said Chilima was a true son, a father, mentor educator and visionary leader.

She further stated that their late President wanted people to progress and was always jovial and gave mature advice.

According to Kweni as she is fondly called, Malawi has lost a resilient, patient and loving man, peace maker, performer and reformer

She hailed all religious leaders for standing with the UTM family during this tragic and trying time.

Kaliati said SKC was a visionary man who encouraged young men to participate in politics and would serve them drinks and food as he hosted party representatives at his house and encouraged politics of inclusion. The UTM official further described Chilima as a time conscious person adding that the party will see his vision accomplished to take the people to Canaan.