Former ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has said they offered an open invitation to every member of the general public to attend the memorial service of the country’s third republican president Bingu Wa Mutharika.

The family of the late leader is today holding a memorial event at Goliati, Chizinga Catholic Parish but no government official is present including Bingu’s widow Calista.

Reports has it that Calista is in Kenya for ambassadorial duties, however no reason has been given for the government side to miss the event.

However, chairperson of the organizing committee, Francis Mphepo, said the event was open to every Malawian since they sent an open invitation.

Answering on the same in Parliament, Minister of Tourism Michael Usi said he missed the event because he was not invited.

The event has been graced by brother to the late Bingu, Peter Mutharika and his wife Gertrude, former president Bakili Muluzi and UDF President Atupele Muluzi as well as Leader of Opposition in parliament, Kondwani Nankhumwa among others.