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Malawi govt denies President Mutharika is ill: Meets Africa’s richest man Dangote in US


Malawi government has said President Peter Mutharika, currently in New York for UN General Assembly is in good health, dismissing an social media rumours that he suffered a cardiac arrest. Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Francis Kasaila trongly dismissed the claims. Heassured Malawians that Mutharika is enjoying good health in the United States.

This was after the social media became awash with reports that Mutharika was down with cardiac arrests and others mentioned other ailments. However, Kasaila said Mutharika was enjoying good health ever and was fullfilling his engagements. Rumors about Mutharika’s health are common but Kasaila who is also spokesman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party , has described them as lies spread by opponents. Kasaila said Mutharika was “very strong and healthy,” saying opponents are trying to deceive Malawi and cause despondency. This is the first time this year the government has chosen to respond to rumors.

Kasaila downplays concerns about Mutharika’s health. The President, who is in his late 70’s, has shown signs of age. Early this year he was caught on camera by Malawi News tripping and falling down during tree planting season. However, the Malawi leader has been captured in New York conspicuously fit and well.Mutharika on Monday attended several functions including that of Commission for Financing Education, met Africa’s richest person Dangote and was with UN Secretary General Ban K Moon at a function. Earlier in the day, there were social media reports that warned the opposition Malawi Congress Party cadres were creating false rumours on social media to show Mutharika as very ill. Mutharika has in the past said there was need to regulate the social media because sometimes oit spreads false rumours thereby making Malawians panick.

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