By Isaac Salima:
The body of the country’s Vice President Saulos Chilima arrived at his home in Ntcheu District Sunday evening.
It was welcomed by loud weeps as people could not believe it that he is gone for good.
Villagers from surrounding areas lined up along the road leading to the departed Vice President’s original home of Mbirimtengerenji Village, Traditional Authority Champiti, in Ntcheu District.
Scores of people could not hold themselves, such that they wept uncontrollably as the body of the son of the soil arrived.
It was not a usual Vice President’s motorcade— where, every now and then, the country’s second in command could pass by and say hello to relatives and other villagers.
“He used to pass by and greet us. We will miss his love and care,” Amina Alfred, who is from the area, said.
Despite chilly weather conditions, which were punctuated by drizzles, most people braved the weather to welcome Chilima, who was popularly known as A Biyeni among Ngonis.
From Lilongwe, the body was first taken to Nsipe Parish, which used to be familiar territory to A Biyeni.
There, a holy mass, led by Bishop Patrick Chifukwa of Dedza Diocese, was conducted.
Throughout, sadness was the prevailing emotion.
The body was then taken to his house at Nsipe for a vigil that was conducted before burial later today.
This morning, a funeral service will be conducted at Nsipe Catholic Primary School ground before burial at a cemetery that is situated close to the school ground.
