Bushiri Foundation Says Chrisford Chayera’s House Will Be Built Amid Renewed Social Media Pressure
Published on June 8, 2026 at 11:06 AM by Evance Kapito
The Shepherd Bushiri Foundation has announced that it will proceed with plans to build a house for renowned artist Chrisford Chayera following renewed public debate over a promise made four years ago.
Chayera, who makes a living through artwork created using his mouth, as both his hands and legs are paralyzed, one painted Prophet Bushiri and his wife Mary and his remarkable talent has earned him admiration both in Malawi and beyond.
The issue resurfaced on social media in recent days, with many users questioning why Prophet Shepherd Bushiri had allegedly not fulfilled a pledge made to Chayera in 2022.
At the time, Bushiri promised to build a house for the artist and provide him with financial assistance. However, four years later, many social media users have continued to question the delay in delivering the promised support.
Responding to the criticism, Bushiri’s spokesperson Aubrey Kusakala said Chayera had written to the prophet apologizing over some of the discussions and allegations that have been circulating on social media regarding the matter.
Kusakala said Bushiri has since instructed officials at the foundation to expedite the process of assessing and constructing Chayera’s house, despite the organization currently being engaged in housing projects for people affected by disasters in various parts of the country.
The development has attracted mixed reactions online. While some people have welcomed the latest assurance from the foundation, others argue that four years is too long for a beneficiary to wait for assistance that was publicly promised.
The debate intensified after social media influencer Gerald Kampanikiza urged Chayera to remain patient, a remark that was met with criticism from some users who questioned how much longer the artist should be expected to wait.
The Shepherd Bushiri Foundation has not yet announced a specific timeline for the construction of the house or the delivery of the other assistance promised to Chayera.
