Thousands mourn Muluzi’s daughter

Thousands of people flocked to Kapoloma Village in Machinga on Friday where former president Bakili Muluzi’s first born daughter, Esmie Malisita, was laid to rest leaving behind memories of a person who lived an ordinary life. Politicians from the governing and opposition parties, the clergy and business community were among thousands who joined Muluzi in mourning his beloved daughter. High profile dignitaries included Chief Secretary to the Government George Mkondiwa, leader of Opposition in Parliament Lazarous Chakwera, immediate past vice-president Khumbo Kachali, former official government hostess Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamira, former first lady Calista Mutharilka, Archbishop Luke Thomas Msusa of Blantyre Archdiocese, Bishop Montfort Sitima of Mangochi Diocese and Paramount Chief Ngolongoliwa of Thyolo. Malisita died last Monday after being struck by lightning at a garden in Mpemba, Blantyre. In the picture, Muluzi bids a tearful farewell to Malisita who is survived by a husband and three children.—EVANCE CHISIANO, Malawi News Agency