Thousands of people from all walks of life yesterday gathered at the late Senior Chief Mponda’s headquarters in Mangochi to pay their last respects to long-serving chief.

In her eulogy, Deputy Minister of Local Government Halima Daud, speaking on behalf of President Lazarus Chakwera, said the fallen chief was a pillar of unity in the district.

A casket carrying the remains of Senior Chief Mponda

“Besides championing development, Senior Chief Mponda was a true custodian of culture, a peace-maker and believed in unity,” she said.

Daud asked the royal family to unite and choose someone who can be entrusted with the chieftaincy.

Paramount Chief Kawinga urged royal family members to cooperate and follow all procedures until a new chief is chosen.

“I expect to see sanity until the new chief is chosen,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the royal family, group village head Malunda also said the late Senior Chief Mponda was a pillar of unity.

Among notable people who attended the ceremony were former president Peter Mutharika, United Democratic Front president Lilian Patel and Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament Aisha Mambo Adams.

Mponda died aged 98 on Tuesday after a long battle with high blood pressure.

Born on January 1 1924, the late Senior Chief Mponda was installed Traditional Authority on March 24 in 1979. He was elevated to Senior Chief in 2013.

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