The Malawi government has once again denied rumours that President Peter Mutharika is gravely ill, with officials claiming that the head of state is currently enjoying a “very robust health”, Nyasa Times reports.
Social media has been abuzz over the health of Mutharika after he reportedly remained absent “without leave” in Malawi, two weeks after attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Rumours indicated that the president was hospitalised in the United States.
Information Minister Malison Ndau, however, laid the rumours to rest, claiming that Mutharika was “fit” and well, while condemning people of spreading “fabricated stories” on social media.
“These rumours are baseless, malicious and sickening to say the least. The president is enjoying very robust health and is continuing to carry on his functions and duties whilst in the USA.”
“We would like to remind all Malawians that in response to the so many inquiries as to what the president is doing in the USA, the Presidential Press Secretary, Mr Mgeme Kalirani, has repeatedly stated that the president is continuing to carry out other duties which could not be concluded whilst he was at the United Nations General Assembly,” Ndau said.
Ndau went further to warn Malawians over the rumours, reminding them that the spreading of the false stories was a criminal offence and that “rumour-mongers” would be swiftly brought to book.
Meanwhile, #BringBackMutharika has been trending on Twitter as Malawians have become frustrated over Mutharika’s prolonged stay in the US.
