Mumba Pays Tribute at Wambali’s Grave After Being Named Chakwera’s Running Mate

Vitumbiko Mumba, newly named running mate to President Lazarus Chakwera in the upcoming September 16 presidential elections, made a heartfelt stop at the grave of the late legendary musician and social critic Wambali Mkandawire on Monday, just hours after his official endorsement.

In a reflective Facebook post, Mumba revealed that after attending church at BICC, he visited Area 18 Cemetery in Lilongwe to honour Wambali, a figure he described as both prophetic and principled.

“From BICC, I passed by Area 18 cemetery to offer my special respect to Mte Wambali Mkandawire,” Mumba wrote.

“Wambali first spoke about this in 2017 and, again, just before the Lord called him. The road has been bumpy, winding and rough just as Mte Wambali prophesied. Now that we got the ball, eyes on the goal now!!”

Mumba, who currently serves as Minister of Trade and Industry and is a Member of Parliament for Mzimba Central as an independent, expressed deep gratitude for President Chakwera’s trust.

In the same post, he referenced the Biblical story of Joseph, calling for forgiveness, unity, and focus as the campaign begins.

“There is neither a record of Joseph victimising his brothers who sold him nor is it recorded anywhere that he exacted revenge against Potiphar and his wife… I embrace President Chakwera’s decision with humility and grace… For that reason, I humbly ask for your kind forgiveness. It’s time to build and move on. Let’s follow the example of Joseph.”

Mumba is stepping into the presidential race as a key player, having risen above past internal party disputes that led him to contest and win his parliamentary seat as an independent.

His selection is widely seen as a strategic move to energize the MCP’s northern base and add technocratic strength to Chakwera’s campaign.

Wambali Mkandawire, popularly known as Mtebeti Wambali Mkandawire was a Malawian jazz singer and activist who died on 31 January 2021