By Staff Reporter
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has moved decisively to dispel speculation surrounding the health of State President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, with Secretary General Hon. Peter Mukhito, MP, providing a firsthand account of his recent meeting with the Head of State in South Africa.
In an official statement issued on Sunday, 25 October 2026, Mukhito dismissed claims suggesting that President Mutharika is bedridden, describing them as inconsistent with his personal observations.
Mukhito revealed that he met the President on Friday, 23 October 2026, and spent more than an hour with him in what he described as a warm, cordial and productive engagement.
“Throughout our interaction, His Excellency was cheerful, vibrant and in good health. His demeanour and engagement reflected a leader who remains firmly focused on his national responsibilities as Head of State,” Mukhito stated.
The Secretary General emphasised that his reassurance was based on direct personal interaction with the President, rather than speculation or secondhand information.
He urged Malawians to distinguish between legitimate public interest in the President’s wellbeing and unverified claims circulating on social media.
Mukhito further stressed that physical absence from the country should not automatically be interpreted as an inability to exercise presidential authority or discharge constitutional responsibilities.
Drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, he observed that modern communication technologies have transformed leadership and administration, making it possible for critical decisions, consultations and official responsibilities to be undertaken remotely.
“The COVID-19 pandemic taught us that effective leadership and institutional responsibilities are not confined to physical offices. His Excellency continues to provide leadership to our country despite being physically outside Malawi,” he explained.
Mukhito reaffirmed the DPP’s confidence in President Mutharika, stating that the party remains committed to supporting him in delivering on his electoral mandate through 2030, in accordance with the Constitution.
The Secretary General’s clarification comes amid heightened public debate over the President’s stay in South Africa, which has generated considerable political commentary and speculation across various media platforms.
The government has also publicly assured Malawians that President Mutharika is in good health, maintaining that his visit to South Africa is private.
Meanwhile, the growing circulation of misinformation through digital platforms has continued to attract concern from law enforcement and communications regulatory authorities.
The Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) have cautioned against the misuse of social media to spread false information, emphasising the importance of responsible digital communication and compliance with applicable laws.
Authorities have stressed that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly, while any enforcement action must remain consistent with the law.
Mukhito appealed to Malawians to remain calm, exercise sound judgement and rely on credible information rather than unsubstantiated rumours.
He also underscored the importance of maintaining public confidence in national institutions and allowing the government to remain focused on its responsibilities to the people.
