First born daughter to former president Bakili Muluzi, Mrs Esme Muluzi-Malisita has been killed by lightning while at her farm at Mpemba in Blantyre, a relation Dr Ishamel Chioko has confirmed.

Muluzi-Malisita died when lightning struck her and a friend Hazel Busile while the two were helping out in fertiliser application at a garden in Mpemba.

She was rushed to Mwaiwathu Private Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The former president is reportedly devastated with the death of his first born child who was also sister to Minister of Lands Housing and Urban Development Atupele Muluzi.

Chioko said the family are “heartbroken”.

Muluzi-Malisita, who was married to Dr Ken Malisita, was until her death one of the directors for Joy Media Group responsible for marketing.

A vigil is taking place at the deceased’s residence at New Naperi as the family is still discussing funeral arrangements, according to Chioko.

Born on August 31 1969 Muluzi-Malisita is survived by a husband and children.