By Wanangwa Tembo

Kasungu, February 8, Mana: Late Kester Kaphaizi, who was Malawi's Ambassador to Ethiopia was on Saturday raid to rest at his home, Kaphaizi Village in the area of Traditional Authority Kaphaizi in Kasungu District during a ceremony attended by Vice President Dr Michael Usi.

Kaphaizi, who died at the age of 69 also served as the country's Permanent Representative to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, succumbed to cancer on Monday March 3 at Artemis Hospital in India where he went to seek treatment.

In his eulogy, Usi described Kaphaizi as a true patriot who served his country with diligence and integrity.

"We have heard for ourselves that the late Kaphaizi was a man of high integrity who hated corruption and loved his work. His life must be a lesson to us all," Usi said.

While calling for religious and political tolerance and condemning corruption, the Vice President said the life of Kaphaizi who married in Thyolo was an illustration of tribal tolerance which all Malawians must practice.

Usi conveyed condolences from President Dr Lazarus Chakwera whom he said was saddened by the demise of Kaphaizi, a career civil servant who rose to become a principal secretary for the Ministry of Local Government and that of Energy.

Melina Dzowera, representing the children, thanked the President for entrusting her departed father with public responsibilities and also assisting him when he was sick.

On her part, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, said since reporting for his duties in Ethiopia in January 2023, Kaphaizi demonstrated trustworthiness, diligence and hard work, describing his demise as a big loss to the country.

Other speakers including Senior Chief Lukwa, Member of Parliament for Kasungu Central Constituency, Ken Kandodo and a representative of retired principal secretaries Prince Kang'ombe, said Kaphaizi valued education and charity work.

Born 1956, Kaphaizi was one of the founding members of the Association of Principal Secretaries in Malawi and also served as a trustee for a wildlife conservation association in Kasungu District.

He is survived by a wife, four children and three grandchildren.