MCP pins hope on judiciary to ‘break the jaws of injustice’.

By The Forum

The former ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has condemned the arrest of three of its senior members, describing the move as a “textbook case of political witch-hunting.”

In a statement, the party said the manner in which the arrests were carried out signals a coordinated attempt to weaponise state institutions for partisan purposes, rather than a genuine pursuit of justice.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, MCP Director of Campaigns Moses Kunkuyu said the arrests were designed to divert public attention from the pressing challenges facing Malawians, including the high cost of living, food insecurity, and shortages of foreign exchange, fuel and medicines in public hospitals.

“Now is not the time for political witch-hunts. This is a time for nation-building and bipartisanship to address these shared challenges,” Kunkuyu said.

Kunkuyu, who was flanked by other senior party officials, called for an immediate halt to what he described as politically motivated arrests and harassment of opposition leaders. He also urged the depoliticisation of law enforcement agencies and called for constructive political engagement anchored in dialogue, tolerance and democratic norms.

The arrests involve former MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, who has been charged with attempted murder, as well as Vitumbiko Mumba, who was running mate to President Lazarus Chakwera in the September 16, 2025 general elections, and MCP spokesperson Jessie Kabwira. Mumba and Kabwira are facing charges of publishing false news likely to cause public alarm, linked to remarks they made at a press briefing before the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) officially announced the 2025 election results.

Despite its criticism, the MCP said it retains confidence in the judiciary.

“As our leaders are being taken to court, we have limitless confidence in the credibility and independence of our judiciary, whose eyes see beyond politics and whose judgments break the jaws of injustice,” the party said.

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