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| National |
| Thousands fill up Chileka |
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by
Rabecca Theu, 10 July 2006
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07:41:44
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Thousands of people swarmed Chileka International Airport Sunday afternoon to welcome former Head of State Bakili Muluzi on his return from the United Kingdom where he went in January to seek medical attention on his slipped spinal discs.
Hours before the arrival, overloaded trucks, minibuses and coasters, full of enthusiastic crowds, kept pouring in from all regions of the country, such that the airport’s premises could not contain the throng. The huge numbers forced some people to seek solace in trees, on the airport balcony, flood lights and walls.
People streamed to the aiport in a jubilant mood. Those already at the airport welcomed their colleagues with ululation, chants and songs.
“Ndinangomva tseketseke, Atcheya abwera, maine, tseketseke Atcheya abwera,” sang a group from Thondwe in Zomba, with some clad in yellow.
Women covered in yellow, from head to toe, danced the whole afternoon.
“It has been a long time! Let’s show Atcheya that we haven’t lost the skill to dance,” said one of the women.
Dotted in the sea of yellow were a few women and men in Alliance for Democracy (Aford) blue and white colours.
Before delivering his 21-minute speech to the over 5,000 people, UDF members gave the Muluzi family a welcoming gift of a lamb and a walking stick.
He thanked President Bingu wa Mutharika, Malawi Congress Party president John Tembo, People’s Progressive Movement president Aleke Banda, Malawi Democratic Party leader Kamlepo Kalua, Gwanda Chakuamba and all Malawians who telephoned or sent him messages wishing him a quick recovery.
The jovial Muluzi urged UDF members to stand firm for the party in readiness for the 2009 elections.
“Let’s be focused on the 2009 elections. Our agenda should be 2009, not impeachment. I am challenging you that UDF will rule in 2009. Mark my words,” said Muluzi, who was holding on to rails of his open Land Rover most of the time he addressed the crowd.
UDF national executive committee members, former Research Director for the party Humphrey Mvula, Aford Publicity Secretary Norman Nyirenda and Kamlepo Kalua were among some notable figures that welcomed Muluzi.
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