Patron of the Mulhakho wa Alhomwe Cultural Grouping, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, has said he was impressed with the diversity that featured this year’s Mulhakho wa Alhomwe Cultural Festival at Chonde on Sunday.

Mutharika, who is also former Head of State and leader of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), says he was even overjoyed and awed by the presence of leaders of other political parties, including Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) president Enoch Kamzingeni Chihana and his deputy, Comrade Timothy Mtambo.

“I was impressed by the sheer magnitude of the event just as I was awed by all the activities there. As I said in my remarks at the function, “the young people of this country should keep working hard and indeed prioritise education. There should be no excuses. Learn from us, your elders,” he wrote on his Facebook page.

“I was particularly proud of the diversity of the tribes in attendance which underscores the values of a one unified Malawi. Thank you Mulhakho wa Alhomwe for such a beautiful occasion. Thank you all Malawians who patronised the event regardless of tribal origin or political affiliation. We should all be united for a common purpose as was the theme,” he added.

AFORD vice president, Comrade Mtambo, said Mutharika’s sentiments contradict what some people have been saying about the character of the former president.

Apparently, some people claimed that the former Head of State would not accept Mtambo at the event.

Meanwhile, Mtambo has expressed gratitude to Mutharika and the Mulhakho wa Alhomwe Cultural Grouping for the love and warm reception they accorded him at the event.

“APM has just demonstrated to the country that he is accommodative and principled. Strong leaders are defined by their values and principles. They don’t take things personal. Just like I stood up in 2019 and 2020, it was never personal, but principles,” he said.