The Tonse Alliance government of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has said the burial ceremony of former minister, Elia Katola Phiri will be accorded military honours this coming Thursday.

One of the family members, Ezra Sosola has confirmed the development; saying the ceremony will start from his residence at the Kasungu Chitete Dam then a church service before proceeding to his home village Nkhokaminyala Traditional Authority Chilowamatambe.

Sosola has described Katola Phiri’s death as a big blow to their clan; saying he was one of the reliable pillars and has left a huge gap.

Late Elia Katola Phiri served as a Member of Parliament for Kasungu Central Constituency from 1964 to 1994 and he was one of the longest serving ministers during Kamuzu Banda’s era.