By The Forum

The Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe has granted bail to former Minister of Information and Malawi Congress Party (MCP) campaign director Moses Kunkuyu, who is facing charges of abuse of office and money laundering.

The abuse of office charge stems from allegations that in August 2025, while serving as a minister, Kunkuyu directed Malawi Posts Corporation to disburse K14 million in public funds for the rehabilitation of a school block in Karonga and the construction of a borehole in Dedza.

On the money laundering charge, the State alleges that some of the funds were later improperly used for personal gain.

The charges correct earlier information issued on Monday by Kunkuyu’s lawyer, George Jivason Kadzipatike, who had said police questioned his client over remarks allegedly made at the funeral of former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the late Madalitso Kazombo, which were said to propose violence.

When Kunkuyu appeared in court, he did not take a plea after State prosecutor Cecilia Zangazanga informed the court that the prosecution had not yet served the defence with disclosures.

The State applied for 14 days to complete investigations, serve disclosures and commit the matter to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for consent, while asking that the suspect remain on remand.

However, defence lawyers Kadzipatike and Khwima Mchizi argued that the State had not provided sufficient justification for Kunkuyu’s continued detention.

The court subsequently ordered Kunkuyu to be released on bail on condition that he pays a cash bond of K1 million and provides two sureties, each bonded at K2 million non-cash.

Kunkuyu, the Member of Parliament for Dedza Mlunduni Constituency, was arrested on Monday after handing himself over to police and was being held at Kanengo Police Station.

The timing of his arrest sparked controversy, as legislators enjoy immunity from arrest while discharging parliamentary duties. Kunkuyu was reportedly expected to attend a parliamentary committee meeting at the time of his arrest.

Clerk of Parliament Fiona Kalemba wrote to Inspector General of Police, requesting Kunkuyu’s release on grounds of parliamentary immunity.

“In compliance with Section 60(1) of the Constitution and as part of the performance of his parliamentary duties, it is imperative that Hon. Kunkuyu’s attendance at the scheduled committee meetings remains unimpeded and that further disruption of the operations of the National Assembly is avoided,” reads the letter in part.

Section 60(1) of the Constitution provides that the Speaker, Deputy Speakers and all members of the National Assembly, except in cases of treason, are privileged from arrest while going to, returning from, or within the precincts of the National Assembly.

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