Mutharika to Sideline VPs Again? Malawians Anxiously Await His Pick for Paramount Chief Mpezeni’s Burial

With only days remaining before the burial of Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV in Zambia, attention is increasingly turning to President Arthur Peter Mutharika and one key unanswered question: who will represent Malawi at one of the most significant cultural funerals in the region?

The late Ngoni monarch, born David Njengambazo Jere, died on May 30, 2026, at the age of 75 in Lusaka after ruling as Inkosi yaMakhosi for more than 44 years. His remains have since been returned to Ephendukeni Palace in Chipata, where thousands of mourners have been gathering to pay their respects ahead of his burial on Tuesday, June 9.

For many, this is not merely a funeral. It is a historic moment that carries deep cultural, traditional and diplomatic significance for Ngoni communities spread across Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania and other parts of Southern Africa.

Malawi’s Paramount Chief M’mbelwa V has already travelled to Chipata to pay his respects, reflecting the strong historical and family ties that bind the Ngoni kingdoms on both sides of the border

However, as preparations for the burial intensify, political observers and members of the public are waiting to see who President Mutharika will send to represent Malawi officially.

The speculation comes from what many have described as a growing pattern within the administration, where Vice Presidents have often been overlooked for major national assignments in favour of Cabinet ministers.

In recent months, President Mutharika has repeatedly delegated ministers to represent him at important national events and commemorations. Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha represented the President during John Chilembwe Day commemorations, while Transport Minister Jappie Mhango has been dispatched to other major national functions. Similar arrangements have been made during Kamuzu Day celebrations and various official ceremonies.

As a result, First Vice President Jane Ansah and Second Vice President Enoch Chihana have largely remained in the background, prompting questions about the practical role of the Vice Presidency within the current administration.

Critics argue that the Vice Presidents occupy constitutional offices and should be entrusted with more visible responsibilities, especially at important state and diplomatic events. Others contend that the President has full discretion over who represents him and that ministers are equally capable of carrying out such assignments.

Adding another dimension to the debate is the fact that First Vice President Jane Ansah already has a recent connection with the Ngoni royal establishment in Zambia.

Earlier this year, President Mutharika delegated Ansah to lead Malawi’s delegation to the prestigious Nc’wala Ceremony in Chipata, one of the most important annual cultural celebrations of the Ngoni people. During the event, she represented Malawi alongside Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Paramount Chief Mpezeni IV himself, emphasizing the longstanding cultural and historical ties between the two neighbouring countries.

Vice president Jane Ansah with Paramount Chief Mbelwa at Nc’wala ceremony earlier this year.

Her participation was widely viewed as a significant diplomatic gesture and demonstrated Malawi’s commitment to maintaining close relations with the Ngoni kingdom. Given that she interacted directly with the late chief and attended one of his final major public ceremonies, some observers believe she would be a natural choice to represent Malawi at his funeral.

Others have suggested that President Mutharika could choose to attend personally, considering the stature of the late chief and the importance of Malawi-Zambia relations. However, the President has generally preferred to delegate such engagements in recent months.

Within Ngoni communities in Malawi, there is a strong feeling that the funeral deserves high-level representation from the Malawian government. Some traditional leaders and community members believe anything less could be interpreted as failing to adequately honour a leader whose influence extended well beyond Zambia’s borders.

The decision is also being viewed through a political lens. Whether the President selects one of his Vice Presidents, a Cabinet minister, or attends in person may offer further insight into how his administration views the role of the Vice Presidency and the importance it attaches to traditional diplomacy.

As the countdown to Tuesday’s burial continues, all eyes remain fixed on State House.

Will President Mutharika break with recent practice and entrust one of his Vice Presidents with this high-profile assignment? Will another Cabinet minister be chosen? Or will the President himself travel to Chipata to bid farewell to one of Southern Africa’s most respected traditional leaders?

For now, Malawi waits for the official announcement.