By The Forum

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) lawmakers on Wednesday skipped Parliament and gathered at former president Lazarus Chakwera’s residence after rumours circulated that he had been arrested.

Unverified reports claiming that police had surrounded Chakwera’s home in an upscale Lilongwe neighbourhood spread across social media in the afternoon, prompting the MPs’ abrupt walkout.

MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwila, speaking from Chakwera’s residence, said police vehicles had been seen moving around the former president’s home.

“We don’t know what the police want. If they are pursuing any case, they need to be clear,” she said.

Back in Parliament, Second Deputy Speaker Esther Jolobala raised concern over the empty opposition benches after Zomba City North legislator Bester Awali complained about the absence of MCP MPs during debate on the Mid-Year Budget.

He argued that the budget was a matter of national importance “as it is going to help many Malawians, yet the opposition benches are empty.”

Jolobala agreed, saying members were expected to attend sessions and that party whips had previously been reminded to account for absences and tardiness.

“This is not the Parliament that we want Malawians to see. I ask the Leader of the House to consult the Leader of Opposition to explain what is happening,” she said.

Later, the Malawi Police Service issued a statement clarifying that officers were investigating reports of property looting from Kamuzu Palace, one of the state residences. Police confirmed the arrest of former State House Director of Security, Godfrey Arthur Jalale, on suspicion of stealing police dogs from the palace.

Deputy National Police Public Relations Officer Alfred Chimthere said investigators had obtained a search warrant based on information suggesting the missing dogs were being kept at the former president’s residence.

The statement dismissed rumours circulating on social media alleging Chakwera’s arrest, stressing that “there is no arrest warrant for the former president.”

Jalale appeared in court on Wednesday, where he was denied bail as the missing dogs have not yet been recovered.

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