Malawi’s long time politician John Tembo and the current MCP leader Lazarus Chakwera mourned the death of Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Paul Tembo who died following liver complications.
Chakwera addressing the gathering said he was greatly touched over the demise of Tembo saying he was thoroughly a professional military man,” who has served in different countries in peace keeping missions.
The MCP leader asked that God should comfort the Uncle John Tembo and his family during the entire grieving period.
The deceased Military man was a son of John Tembo’s brother.
According to people attending the funeral, the deceased was a brilliant solider and patriot.
John Tembo said he was at a loss of words with the demise of one of the pillars of his family.
“It’s hard to describe the pain of losing you,” said Tembo at the funeral, as family members were breaking down in tears.
President Peter Mutharika though not in attendance sent money to the family in the amount of K200, 000. John Tembo acknowledged this gesture and implored the President to show same kindness to other Malawians.
John Tembo also commended Malawi Defense Force (MDF) for taking care of his nephew when he started suffering up to the time that he died.
Others that who also spoke were Deputy Army Commander Sipuni Phiri and Deputy Minister of Defense Jack Mhango who expressed sorrow and grief that MDF has lost a disciplined and dedicated officer.
The deputy Malawi Army chief promised to take care of the deceased surviving wife and his children. The fallen soldier Paul Tembo was born on 1 April 1966 and he joined the Malawi Armed Forces on 19 May, 1986.
Late Tembo was a recipient of various medals such as Nacala medal, United Nations Chad Medal, United Nations South Sudan Medal. He is survived with four children and a wife.
Almost 20 Members of Parliament from MCP attended the burial ceremony which took place at Kapedzela Village in the area of Traditional Kalumbu in Lilongwe.
According to an eye witness in attendance were other notables that included former speaker of Parliament Louis Chimango, Kamuzu Banda’s assistant and companion Cecilia Tamanda Kadzamira, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Vice President for the central region Hetherwick Ntaba, business tycoon who owns Kang’ombe House and Kalikuti Hotel a Mr. Khondowe and veteran politician who is also father to former parliamentarian Jean Sendeza and Khumbo Sendeza.
