Timothy Mtambo turns to God…Set to Become Associate Pastor at Bushiri’s Church

Former Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) chairperson Timothy Pagonachi Mtambo is reportedly set to be installed as an Associate Pastor at Jesus Nation Church, led by Malawi-born preacher Prophet Shepherd Bushiri.

Mtambo, who has reportedly declared himself born again, is said to have made a decision to dedicate his life to preaching the Gospel and winning souls for Christ across the world.

His reported move into church ministry marks a new chapter for the former activist, whose political journey has taken him from street protests to government and now, reportedly, the pulpit.

Mtambo rose to national prominence in 2019 when he led HRDC in organising demonstrations against the results of the presidential election, which the opposition disputed.

The protests, which continued into 2020, attracted massive public participation but were also marked by violence, looting and destruction of property in several parts of the country. Businesses, public infrastructure and private property were damaged, with losses running into billions of kwachas.

The demonstrations became one of the defining features of Malawi’s political landscape at the time, putting Mtambo at the centre of the campaign for electoral and governance reforms.

Following the election of Lazarus Chakwera in 2020, Mtambo made a transition from civil society activism into government after being appointed Minister of Civic Education and National Unity in the Tonse Alliance administration.

His appointment came after years of leading public demonstrations and demanding accountability from the government of former president Peter Mutharika.

Mtambo later ventured further into politics and became associated with the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), where he took up a leadership role.

However, reports now indicate that he has stepped away from active politics and his political responsibilities to concentrate on Christian ministry.

His association with Jesus Nation Church will see him work under Bushiri, whose ministry has followers in Malawi and other countries.

If confirmed, the installation will mark a major shift in Mtambo’s public life, from being one of the most recognisable faces of Malawi’s post-election protests to serving in church leadership.

The church is yet to publicly announce details of the reported installation.