Atupele Muluzi Condemns Tear-Gassing of Chakwera at Mausoleum
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The political atmosphere surrounding this year’s Kamuzu Day commemorations has taken another dramatic twist after United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi strongly condemned the tear-gassing incident involving President Lazarus Chakwera at the Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe.
Muluzi described the incident as “deeply unfortunate,” saying moments meant to honour the country’s founding father, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, should unite Malawians instead of creating political tension and confrontation.
In a statement shared on social media, the UDF leader stressed that Kamuzu Banda belonged to the whole nation and not only to the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), adding that national remembrance ceremonies must rise above political divisions.
Muluzi further emphasized that the Presidency remains a national institution that deserves protection, dignity and respect at all times regardless of who occupies the office.
According to the former cabinet minister, both sitting and former heads of state should be accorded honour whenever carrying out official national duties, warning that acts of hostility risk damaging Malawi’s democratic image.
The incident occurred during Kamuzu Day commemorations where President Chakwera and some MCP supporters were reportedly tear-gassed and prevented from laying wreaths at the Kamuzu Mausoleum, triggering public debate across the country.
Muluzi has since called on Malawians to embrace tolerance, peace and national unity, saying political disagreements must never destroy the country’s shared humanity and democratic values.
The UDF leader also appealed for restraint among political players and supporters, urging citizens to avoid actions capable of escalating tensions during sensitive national events.
His remarks come at a time when several political and civil society figures have begun questioning the handling of the commemorations, with concerns growing over increasing political intolerance ahead of future political activities.
Meanwhile, government authorities are yet to issue a detailed official response regarding the tear-gassing incident, as reactions continue to pour in from different sectors of society calling for calm, accountability and unity.
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