Former first lady Callista Mutharika who is also member of United Transformation Movement (UTM) has been relieved of her duties by the government of Malawi.

Callista, a brother in-law to the incumbent President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has been fired together with George Saonda and Chiza Mbekeani.

This has been disclosed in a letter signed by head of the civil service, Lloyd Muhara dated Septermber 19, 2018 leaked to the press.

According to the letter, government has terminated the services of the three because of their “active involvement in politics.”

Callista, the widow of former president Bingu wa Mutharika and in-law of incumbent President Peter Mutharika was until the termination of her employment presidential adviser on safe motherhood, Saonda served as director of administration in the Ministry of Information, and Communications Technology whereas Mbekeani was duputy director of administration in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

In June this year, Muhara issued a memo to all heads of government institutions advising civil servants wishing to contest for political office to resign before doing so.

Although this is the case, government is yet to act on Chimwemwe Chipungu who is organizing Secretary for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Chipungu has also expressed interest to contest as Member of Parliament for Thyolo South on DPP ticket.

Effort to talk to Callista on the matter proved futile.