Child rights activist Amos Chibwana has implored the leadership of Mulhako wa aLhomwe and stakeholders to devise strategies on how to protect children from abuse at this year's festival.

Chibwana said last year's incident where unknown men reportedly defiled a girl who accompanied her mother to cook at the commemoration during the night was uncalled for.

According to Chibwana, the Mulhako wa aLhomwe cultural grouping, police and social welfare authorities should ensure maximum protection of children from abuse as they embrace the Lhomwe culture at the festival.

"This time around, as the celebrations are also in the offing, we want to urge the traditional leaders, the leadership of the cultural grouping and everybody including the social welfare to take a charge and ensure that all the activities that will be taking place there put the best interest of a child at heart," he said.

This year's cultural gathering will take place from 4th to 6th October 2024 under the theme: “Uniting for a Common Purpose.”

However, the event organizing chairperson Felix Tambulasi said he will comment later as he feign ignorance of the incident.

Meanwhile, South East Police spokesperson Edward Kabango has assured of enhanced security against any form of danger at the event.

"Each each year, we strategize with the organisers on how to provide security. So this year, there is no difference. We will be there. And people should not be worried. We just want to urge everyone who will be there to contact the police whenever they sense that they are in danger. The officer will be there and we have a nearest police at Luchenza," he urged.

Earlier, the organizing committee indicated that this year’s festival will be special as there will be more performances and other activities.

The committee added that the patrons will also appreciate the Lhomwe demonstration village which has been constructed to showcase the life of the Lhomwe people.