adminMutharika’s death: Malawi declares 10-day mourning period as Joyce Banda assumes power
The government of Malawi finally ended speculation over the death rumours of president Bingu wa Mutharika with the newly sworn in President Joyce Banda calling cabinet Saturday evening to discuss funeral arrangements of the late head of state. A 10-day mourning period has been declared.
Professor Mutharika suffered a cardiac arrest Thursday morning and was rushed to Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe. Reports also indicated the former leader was flown to South Africa for further treatment, but efforts to resuscitate him had failed.
President Joyce Banda assumed leadership in accordance with the country’s constitution and was sworn in Saturday afternoon following delays after chief justice Lovemore Munlo reportedly forgot his robe at home in Blantyre. The event was rescheduled to 4pm.
Meanwhile former president Bakili Muluzi has suspended his medical trip to South Africa to attend Mutharika’s funeral, describing the late leader as a father.
Malawi Voice quoted Muluzi as saying, “Malawians have lost a father and I felt being amongst them is what matters right now.”