President Mutharika's advisor on religious affairs, Apostle Timothy Khoviwa, says President Mutharika is sending his apology to the churches, saying there is currently no restriction to stop prayer gatherings in totality.

"President Mutharika says what happened was uncalled for," said Khoviwa.

Khoviwa asked the churches to observe all precautionary measures against Covid 19 and assist followers and government in preventing further spread of the virus.

Reverend Edina Navaya of Balaka CCAP says Khoviwa told them that president Mutharika was also taken unaware of the police action.

"The presidential advisor, while expressing total ignorance on the police action, has assured us to continue congregating; but emphasized that we continue observing all precautionary measures to prevent Covid 19," said Reverend Navaya.

Chairperson for Evangelical Association of Malawi Balaka Chapter, Pastor Lington Gwazeni, also confirmed President Mutharika apologized to several churches in Balaka on Monday through Apostle Khoviwa.