Death has been announced for the former cabinet minister and member of parliament Elijah Chinguwo Katola Phiri.

Confirming the development, family spokesperson Ezra Sosola, said Katola passed away in the afternoon of Tuesday shortly after he was referred to Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe.

The burial arrangement will be communicated later.

In 1959 Phiri, who died at 69 was together with the country’s first president Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda when he was arrested and sent to Gweru during the fight for the country’s independence.

Among cabinet portfolios, Katola Phiri served as a Minister of Community Services, Labour, Local Government, Trade and Industry as well as Minister of Natural Resources.

He served as the legislator for Kasungu Central from 194 to 1994.

He is survived by a wife, 10 children, and 24 grandchildren.