A group of clerics calling itself the Concerned and Patriotic Church Leaders has urged individuals claiming to be prophets to apologise to President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika over what it describes as false prophecies concerning his health and well-being.
Speaking during a press conference in Lilongwe on Tuesday, the group’s leader, Bishop Maurice Katema, expressed concern over the growing tendency among some self-proclaimed prophets to make negative predictions about the President’s health.
Katema said it was disturbing that people who claim to be servants of God could repeatedly make alarming statements about the country’s Head of State, describing such conduct as hurtful and unacceptable.
“Why do people who claim to be men and women of God wake up every day to prophesy evil things about the country’s leader? How long will this continue? And how do you feel when you see the President going about his duties with strength?” Bishop Katema questioned.
He stressed that religious leaders should focus on praying for the country and its leadership, particularly at a time when Malawi is facing various challenges, rather than spreading predictions that could cause unnecessary anxiety among citizens.
The bishop further warned that the clerics would not remain silent over individuals engaging in such practices, insisting that those responsible should take responsibility for their statements and apologise to the President.
Although the group declined to disclose the identities of the individuals involved, its members said the public had recently witnessed widespread claims on social media alleging that President Mutharika was seriously ill while in South Africa.
The controversial claims emerged during the President’s stay in South Africa on a trip that government described as private. President Mutharika subsequently returned to Malawi on Saturday, November 1, 2026.
The controversy highlights growing concerns over the spread of unverified information and sensational claims on social media, particularly concerning the health and whereabouts of public figures.
Religious leaders have an influential role in Malawian society, with many citizens looking to the clergy for spiritual guidance, national unity and prayers for the country’s leadership.
