Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Tuesday led Malawians in paying tribute to Mchinji West Member of Parliament (MP) Billy Kanjira Banda.

Kanjira Banda died on Sunday after collapsing in Church and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.

Late Kanjira Banda was laid to rest at his home at Kamangirira village in Traditional Authority Simphasi in Mchinji and the funeral ceremony was attended by over 100 MPs including former Vice President Khumbo Kachali and Speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya.

But Deputy Speaker of Parliament Esther Mcheka Chilenje did not attend the funeral in fear of her life.

According to inside sources, the uncle to late Kanjira wrote the Speaker Richard Msowoya advising him not to allow Mcheka Chilenje to attend the funeral.

Kanjira Banda was thrown out of Parliament last Friday after a heated exchange with First Deputy Speaker Esther Mcheka Chilenje who was chairing the Committee of Supply on the Mid-year Budget review.

In his contribution to an allocation under the Democracy Consolidation Programme through the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC), the MP alleged that some Cabinet ministers would personally benefit in millions of kwacha from such allocations.

When challenged to bring evidence, Kanjira Banda said he would do so. Mcheka Chilenje then asked him to return to the chamber Monday afternoon with evidence.

Meanwhile MCP has cried foul over the death of Kanjira Banda, saying there are a lot of questions without answers.