Dr Ben Chilima, Elder Brother to Late VP Saulos, to Be Buried Today

Dr Ben Chilima, elder brother of the late former Vice-President Saulos Chilima, is being laid to rest today, Monday, October 5, 2026, at Njewa in Lilongwe.

Chilima died on October 3 after reportedly collapsing while chatting with his wife and children. He was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead.

His death was confirmed by his wife, while the Chilima family has since been mourning the loss of a man who also played a prominent role in the aftermath of his younger brother’s death in the 2024 Malawi Defence Force aircraft crash.

On Facebook, Mary Chilima, wife of the late Saulos Chilima, paid tribute to Dr Ben, describing him as “our Chief, our Mzati” and asking for God’s comfort for the family.

According to the funeral programme, the body was collected from Mthunzi Funeral Parlour on Sunday before a funeral service at Mvama CCAP and the arrival at the family residence in Area 51.

Today, the programme includes a send-off ceremony at 7am, followed by departure for Njewa (Chilima Village) at 9am.

The body is expected to arrive at Njewa at 10am, where a vigil will be held before a church service at 2:30pm, followed by burial.

Dr Ben Chilima was also known for his work in Malawi’s public health sector and previously served as Director of the Public Health Institute of Malawi (PHIM).

He became particularly prominent nationally following the death of his younger brother Saulos, when he represented the family and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the 2024 plane crash.

Today, family, friends and mourners will gather at Njewa to bid farewell to Dr Ben Chilima.