False information on Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika’s health, absence during DPP manifesto launch

False

Elections 2025

False information on Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika’s health, absence during DPP manifesto launch

FACT-CHECKED by iVerify

August 8, 2025

The DPP Secretary General, Mr. Peter Mukhito, said there was no such advice from doctors, and that Professor Mutharika had just delegated his running mate, Dr. Jane Ansah, to handle the manifesto launch at Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre on Sunday, August 3, 2025. Later that day Prof. Mutharika attended and addressed the party supporters during the party campaign launch at Njamba Freedom Park in the same city.

Claim

The claim that doctors advised Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika not to attend the party manifesto launch due to concerns over his health.

Rating Justification

iVerify Malawi verified the information and concluded that it is false. To arrive at this verdict, iVerify Malawi interviewed the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary General, Mr. Peter Mukhito, who said there was no advice from doctors for Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika not to attend the party manifesto launch on medical grounds. According to Mukhito, Professor Mutharika made a deliberate decision not to attend the morning session of the manifesto launch at Sunbird Mount Soche Hotel in Blantyre and delegated his running mate, Dr Jane Assah. Mukhito further noted that on the same day, Professor Mutharika participated in the official launch of the party campaign at Njamba Freedom Park.

Evidence and References

Link to Zodiak Online coverage of DPP Campaign launch at Njamba Freedom Park, and Professor Mutharika attended. https://web.facebook.com/share/v/16mJ4iGxeS/

Interview with the DPP Party Secretary General Mr. Peter Mukhito

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