Lunji, who at the time of her death was DPP Chief Whip in Parliament died on Tuesday night of COVID-19 according to family sources.

Addressing members of the media at the mortuary, Nankhumwa said the opposition in Parliament has lost a dedicated member who actively worked for a vibrant opposition for the good of the country.

"The late Honourable Lunji was an epitome of courage as well as servant leadership. She always put the interests of the people of Nkhota Kota Northeast and all Malawians first before her personal interests.

"Honourable Lunji also spent much of her public life fighting for the rights of women, the girl-child and marginalized groups. She was a staunch promoter of labour and workers' rights.

"Indeed, she has escaped our eyes but not our hearts; we shall always remember her," said Nankhumwa.

Nankhumwa also conveyed a message from the Office of the Speaker of Parliament, advising everyone who was in close contact with the deceased to go into self-isolation.

Other notable faces at the Lunji send-off included Ndaila Onani and George Zulu from the Government side and DPP’s Bright Msaka, Chimweme Chipungu, Ben Phiri, Vice President for Central Region Zeria Chakale and Secretary General Grezelder Jeffrey and other ordinary DPP supporters.

Her body has since been taken to her Matelezi Village near Chamulandi Trading Centre in T/A Kanyenda's area in Nkhota Kota for burial in line with the COVID-19 protocols.

The late Martha Lunji also held the position of Minister of Labour under former President Peter Mutharika. She was first elected to Malawi Parliament in May 2014. She was born in 1965 and has survived by a daughter.