By Priscilla Phiri

 Lilongwe, June 11, Mana: The Minister of Information and Digitalization, Moses Kunkuyu has disclosed that President Lazarus Chakwera has established a special committee to oversee the funeral arrangements of the late Vice President, Dr. Saulos Chilima.

The announcement came during a press briefing at the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) in Lilongwe, aimed at updating the nation on the funeral proceedings.

He reported that the remains of late Dr. Chilima, along with those of his entourage and the flight crew, have been returned to their respective residences in Lilongwe, where vigils are being held.

"We previously assured the nation that we would provide continuous updates on the funeral arrangements for the Vice President and the other eight individuals. The bodies have now arrived in Lilongwe and are at their homes for the vigils," Kunkuyu stated.

President Chakwera has declared that the Vice President's funeral would be conducted with full state honours and has declared a 21-day mourning period, during which national flags will be flown at half-mast.

The Vigil for the Vice President will take place at his official residence in Area 12, Lilongwe. Additionally, the Minister noted that the late Abdul Lapken, who served in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be interred in Mangochi on Wednesday, June 12,2024, in observance of his Islamic faith.

Kunkuyu emphasized the importance of relying on credible sources for information regarding the funeral to prevent misinformation.

The committee appointed by President Chakwera, includes cabinet members; Titus Mvalo (Chairperson), Harry Mkandawire, Simplex Chithyola Banda, Michael Usi, Vera Kamtukule, Nancy Tembo, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, Kenneth Zikhale Ng’oma, Moses Kunkuyu, and Jacob Hara. Additionally, Patricia Kaliati, Secretary General for UTM, and Eisenhower Mkaka, Secretary for MCP, have been included.

The Nation will be informed of the committee members' specific roles as preparations progress.

Meanwhile, the technical committee is actively working on the logistics, and a detailed funeral programme will be shared following their meeting on June 12,2024.