Former Vice-President Khumbo Kachali had the crowd in stitches after joking that UTM Party leader Dalitso Kabambe would have to wait until 2060 before his political fortunes turned.

Kachali made the light-hearted jibe, delivered in Tumbuka, while addressing the Livingstonia Synod elective conference currently underway at Mtunthama in Kasungu -- a gathering that has drawn some of Malawi's biggest political names.

Poking fun at Kabambe, who was seated in the audience, Kachali suggested the UTM leader might not even manage to rise by 2030, let alone anytime soon -- drawing loud laughter and applause from the crowd.

Although Kachali stopped short of mentioning elections directly, his remarks were widely read as a pointed jab at Kabambe's political prospects, with many in attendance quick to draw the connection.

The former Vice-President was just one of several senior political figures invited to address the synod gathering.

Also on the guest list were Kabambe himself and former President Lazarus Chakwera, who leads the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).

Adding further political weight to proceedings, sitting Second Vice-President Enoch Chihana was also present at the event, rubbing shoulders with rivals and allies alike as the synod conference continues.