Minister of Homeland Security, Jean Sendeza on Thursday led thousands of Malawians in paying last respect to a veteran politician, Elia Katola Phiri who was laid to rest at Nkhakomiyala Village in the area of Senior Chilowamatambe in Kasungu District.

Phiri died at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe on Tuesday, the 26th of April, 2022 at the age of 84.

In her eulogy on behalf of the State President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, Sendeza described late Katola Phiri as a man of integrity who contributed a lot to the development of the country.

Sendeza said President Chakwera is saddened by his death because he was also the pillar of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

A representative of the bereaved family, Ezra Sosola, described the death of their relative as a big blow because he was always at the forefront of supporting and uniting family members.

During his political career, the late Katola Phiri served in several ministerial positions but also represented the people of Kasungu Central in the National Assembly.

Katola Phiri is survived by a wife, 10 children and 40 grand and great-grandchildren.