Mulanje–Bale legislator Victor Musowa has apologised for demeaning remarks he made about the Covid vaccine during a campaign rally in Nsanje North Constituency.
During a meeting which Democratic Progressive Party vice president for the Southern Region Kondwani Nankhumwa addressed to garner support for the party’s candidate ahead of a parliamentary by-election, Musowa is heard in a video clip mocking the government for bringing to the people the vaccine instead of addressing the hunger situation in the district.
“Amnzathu atenga bomawa akumva zakuti kuno kuli njala koma mmalo mobweretsa chakudya akuti abwera ndi katemera kuti awabaye anthu.
[Instead of bringing food to the people, our governing friends are busy taking vaccines to people],” Musowa is heard in the clip.
The remarks did not sit well with some social media commentators, who condemned the parliamentarian.
The vocal lawmaker on (Sunday) swallowed his pride and issued an apology through an audio clip making rounds on social media platforms.
“I am making this comment because of a lot of complaints I have received from both high and low levels due to the damage I have caused following the statement I made in Nsanje. As a politician and leader, I would like to apologise for the remarks.
I feel very embarrassed and I would also like to apologise to the Ministry of Health,” Musowa said.
Meanwhile, health rights activist Maziko Matemba has asked politicians and all Malawians to desist from making careless statements.
“This is a lesson learnt. We need to treat medical issues with the seriousness they deserve, especially during this period of Covid crisis because, once we misinform people, we can destroy the nation,” Matemba said.
Last week, President Lazarus Chakwera launched the roll-out of AstraZeneca Covid vaccine in Zomba City, where he urged Malawians to get vaccinated.
