The Mulhakho wa Alhomwe has not invited President Joyce Banda and Vice President Khumbo Kachali to the cultural event scheduled for this weekend in Mulanje.

Spokesperson of the organising committee Muchanankhwaye Mpuluka says sthey do not invite the state president to such a cultural event.

“We have never invited a President in such a function. This is a cultural event and the late president Bingu wa Mutharika used to attend because he was a Lhomwe and a patron of the grouping,” Mpuluka explained.

He was, however, quick to say that the organising committee of the event has invited the line ministry to the event.

“It’s up to the line ministry to tell the president. But today is Friday we haven’t yet received any information that the president will attend. In the past when the president is attending, they start checking issues to do with security a week before time, but nothing of that sort is happening. As I am talking to you we have finished inviting the guests and the president is not there,” said Mpuluka yesterday.

Press Secretary for the President Steve Nhlane and Kondwani Munthali, press secretary for the Vice President, both said they had not seen any invitations for the event.

The programme indicates that Chewa chief Kalonga Gawa Undi will be the guest of honour.

Sub Traditional Authority Ngongoliwa who is the event ground organising chairperson said Gawa Undi alongside some senior chiefs have already confirmed attendance.

He said apart from Gawa Undi the event will also be graced by three Mozambican Lhomwe chiefs namely Mutharika, Nasiyaya and Ampeni.

Apart from the cultural celebrations which will be held on October 28, the group will also hold an inter-denominational prayers in memory of Mutharika.