People in Blantyre braved the chiperoni morning winds on Friday to flock to Sanjika Palace to pay their last respects to late president Bingu wa Mutharika.
Mutharika’s body—which is lying in state—arrived in Blantyre on Thursday ahead of burial on 23 April at Ndata Farm in Thyolo.
Friday ceremony commenced with prayers before President Joyce Banda led the people in paying homage to the fallen head of state.
Emotions engulfed the main banqueting hall when Bingu Tigresses players could not back their tears. The players wailed after seeing the face of their team’s sponsor. The team’s sponsorship lies in limbo following the death of Mutharika.
Some notable figures at the ceremony included former president Bakili Muluzi, former vice president Justin Malewezi, NGO leaders and UDF top brass, among others.
