By Linda Likomwa

Phalombe, July 14, Mana: United Transformation Movement (UTM) youths in Phalombe Saturday celebrated the life of late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima and eight others who died in a plane crash on June 10, 2024 in Chikangawa Forest.

The youth lit candles and they celebrated through singing and dancing Catholic hymns some of which were late Chilima's favourite. 

Speaking during the memorial service, representative of UTM General Secretary, Patricia Kaliati, Fraizer Chilewani said the service has to be disassociated from politics because they are paying homage to the departed souls of Malawian citizens.

He said that, "We have to be in the forefront in developing the country and not to have negative thoughts for the leaders of this country, but we should remain united and wait for general election in 2025 to cast our votes."

Representative of Member of Parliament for Phalombe South, Mary Mpanga who sought not to be named said that as the nation needed to remember the life of private practice lawyer, Ralph Kasambara who was buried the same day of the plane accident.

Leading the prayer service, Fr. Preciano Muyakha of St. Paul Catholic Church in Phalombe said all Christians are one despite belonging to different denominations, saying their presence at the service showed the spirit of oneness among Malawians.

He said the memorial services are also conducted abroad to demonstrate showing the love people had towards the departed souls.

Apart from praying for Chilima and the eight others who were killed in the plane crash, the youths celebrated the life of Soldier Lucius Banda who died on June 30,2024 while receiving of a kidney failure at a clinic in South Africa.