Former President Peter Mutharika has expressed shock over the death of Professor of Economics from the University of Malawi (UNIMA) Ben Kalua.

Professor Kalua died on Sunday at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre after a short illness.

In a statement posted on his official facebook page, Mutharika said the death Professor Kalua is a big blow to the academia in the country

“His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika will always remember Professor Ben Kalua for his selfless contribution to improve the economy of Malawi through the various roles he has played for his mother country,” said Mutharika.

Burial of Professor Kalua is scheduled for today at his home in Zomba.