Enock Kanzingeni Chihana has officially taken the oath of office as the Second Vice President of the Republic of Malawi, during a ceremony held at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre on Tuesday. The oath was administered by the Deputy Chief Justice of Malawi, Lovemore Chikopa.
Chihana becomes only the second person in the country’s history to hold the position, following in the footsteps of his late father, Chakufwa Chihana, who previously served in the same capacity. His appointment follows the September 16 General Election, in which his party, the Alliance for Democracy (AFORD), entered into an electoral alliance with the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
The appointment is in accordance with Section 80 (5) of the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi, which provides for the establishment of the office of the Second Vice President.
During the same ceremony, Roza Fatch Mbirizi was sworn in as Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Water Development, while George Patridge took the oath as Minister of Industrialisation, Business, Trade, and Tourism. Their oaths were administered by the Chief Registrar of the High Court, Innocent Nebi.
Speaking during the ceremony, President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika congratulated the newly sworn-in officials and urged them to approach their duties with integrity and a spirit of service.
“Public office is not a privilege but a responsibility,” said President Mutharika. “You have been called to serve the people of Malawi with integrity, humility and hard work. Let us focus on results, not rhetoric.”
The President reminded the new Vice President and Cabinet Ministers that Malawians expect a government that delivers tangible results to improve their livelihoods.
The swearing-in ceremony symbolized a new chapter in President Mutharika’s administration, which aims to consolidate progress, strengthen governance, and restore public confidence through renewed commitment and service to the nation.
