BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)—sorrow has engulfed the main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) family following the demise of one of their officials Highton Jiya, who was until his death Member of Parliament (MP) for Lilongwe Msozi North.

According to MCP parliamentary Chief whip Lobin Lowe, Jiya has died in the early hours of 2 January, 2017.

“Yes its true Honourable Jiya who was the MP for Lilongwe Misozi North died on Sunday at Mwayiwathu hospital in Blantyre as a party we will miss him because of his greater contributions he was making in Parliament especially on Land related matters because of his experience that he tapped after working at length at lands ministry,” said Lowe in an interview with local media.

District Commissioner for Lilongwe Charles Makanga said Jiya died at Mwaiwathu hospital in Blantyre where he was receiving treatment.

“I have just received news of the death of honourable Jiya. I am yet to receive information surrounding his death and programme for his burial. His remains are still in Blantyre,” said Makanga.

The remains of late Jiya will be taken to Lilongwe for burial at his home village in Nathenje area in the district.

This is the second MP that MCP has lost after losing another one in Mchinji, Kanjira Banda but the seat was retained by MCP following the triumph of Jepther Mwale.