Appointment an act of God —Malawi’s VP
At 11.50 am on Friday, the peaceful power transition in Malawi came to a complete when Khumbo Kachali was sworn in as the country’s fourth Vice President.
Kachali has since described the appointment as an act of God.
The swearing in ceremony at the State Lodge, popularly known as Mtunthama Residence ground, saw a transformation of power, including party colours, as the Peoples Party, formed after expulsion of President Joyce Banda and Kachali from the then ruling DPP, dominated the stadium.
The political machinery was all there, including Cabinet Ministers, Leader of Opposition John Tembo, UDF leader in Parliament Ibrahim Matola and chiefs such as Inkosi ya Makosi M’mbelwa IV, Paramount Chief Lundu and Senior Chief Kaomba, among others.
As people sat at the VIP podium—which included Malawi Defence Force commander General Henry Odillo, Inspector General of Police Loti Dzonzi and former MDF Commander Marko Chiziko—director general of National Intelligence Services Bintony Kutsaira was asked to leave and was escorted out.
Kachali, who arrived with his wife and family members, received a standing ovation, with songs in tumbuka, yao and Chichewa alternating until President Banda arrived at the stadium.
“This appointment, I can only say, is the greatest act of God, as even myself I never dreamt about it,” said Kachali, who said President Banda has shown trust and confidence in him by offering him the second highest position in the land.
Kachali pledged to serve country with loyalty and dedication within the dictates of the Constitution.
The oath was administered by Chief Justice Lovemore Munlo.
