By Edwin Mauluka

Malawi’s opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has cast doubt on the neutrality of the yet-to-be-constituted inquiry into the 2024 plane crash that claimed the life of Vice President Saulos Chilima, warning that political interests could undermine the process.

MCP Chief Whip and Dedza Mlunduni legislator Moses Kumkuyu urged President Peter Mutharika, who has ordered a fresh probe, to ensure the inquiry is led by an independent team of experts rather than politicians.

“Our recommendation is that the presidency should establish a national committee comprising experts. If necessary, a joint committee with Parliament can be considered, but leaving this entirely to parliamentarians, who are politicians, may not produce the results Malawians expect,” said Kumkuyu.

He also called on the Minister of Finance to allocate sufficient resources to the investigation, a proposal that received support from the Justice Minister.

Lilongwe Mpenu legislator Eisenhower Mkaka echoed the concerns, accusing the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) of trivialising the matter.

“Our expectation was that the executive would assemble a team of experts, not leave such a sensitive investigation to politicians. It would be unfair to the nation, the affected families, and all Malawians,” said Mkaka.

However, Minister of Local Government and Thyolo Central MP Ben Phiri dismissed the criticism, arguing that parliamentary committees, both locally and across Africa, have successfully conducted public inquiries.

Backing Phiri, First Deputy Speaker Victor Musowa defended Parliament’s role, stressing its constitutional mandate.

“This is the only institution that represents Malawians. At no point should its committees be undermined. They have the authority to conduct any investigation,” said Musowa.

Mulanje West legislator and senior UTM member Patricia Kaliati welcomed the president’s directive, stating that Parliament is ready to investigate the matter thoroughly, including summoning witnesses and gathering evidence.

Dedza Kasina MP Joshua Malango, meanwhile, called for transparency, urging any legislators with prior involvement or public comments on the crash to declare their interests.

Responding to this, the Justice Minister said any individuals who had publicly commented on the tragedy should recuse themselves from the inquiry to maintain credibility.

He further assured Parliament that any criminal elements uncovered would be handled by relevant authorities, including his ministry and the Ministry of Homeland Security.

“Let me assure this House that findings from both my office and Parliament will be acted upon decisively if criminal elements are established,” he said.

Leader of the House Jappie Mhango concluded the debate by assuring members that government will provide adequate resources and that Parliament has the capacity to form an ad hoc committee to lead the investigation.

Meanwhile, the late vice president’s widow, Mary Chilima, has welcomed the president’s decision to reopen the probe.

In a Facebook post, she expressed gratitude: “Zikomo kwambiri, kwabasi (Thank you so much), Your Excellency Prof Arthur Peter Mutharika. God bless you always.”

Chilima and eight others, including three crew members, died in the plane crash on June 10, 2024. Two previous inquiries failed to provide answers satisfactory to the public, prompting renewed calls for a more credible and transparent investigation.

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