Former President Peter Mutharika who is also leader of the opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Sunday attended Mlhakho wa Alhomwe celebration at Chonde in Mulanje.

Earlier reports showed that Mutharika who is also patron of the grouping will not attend the festival after turning down the invitation.

This was the first public appearance for Mutharika and his wife Gertrude Mutharika since losing the fresh Presidential polls.

Apart from Mutharika, former President Bakili Muluzi also attended the ceremony.

Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa who is in bad blood with Mutharika also attended the function but was not among the VIPs.