By Burnett Munthali
Prominent Malawian social commentator Onjezani Kenani has ignited a heated discussion on social media with his latest post, where he criticizes the pervasive corruption within Malawi’s judicial system. In his candid remarks, he draws attention to the prevalent issues of bribery and the ineffectiveness of the Judicial Service Commission.
Kenani asserts, “We are a nation of cowards,” emphasizing that the insights shared by lawyer Alexious Kamangila are not groundbreaking revelations. He claims that many lawyers are well aware of which judges are susceptible to bribery and that the outcomes of certain cases are often predetermined, reducing the judiciary to a mere facade of justice. “The judgement is written long before the case is heard,” he states, suggesting a troubling consensus among legal professionals regarding the corruption in the system.
Moreover, he critiques the Judicial Service Commission, branding it as “the most useless body,” which fails to address corruption effectively. Kenani expresses frustration at the standard response from officials when corruption is raised, urging people to lodge complaints with the commission. He points out the irony of the Chief Justice, who previously authored a compelling paper against corruption, now remaining silent on these critical issues. “We all know that he knows very well about the corruption in his judiciary,” he remarks, highlighting a disconnect between the judiciary’s ideals and its realities.
Kenani’s comments reflect a broader sentiment of disillusionment with Malawi’s legal system, urging individuals to overcome their cowardice and speak out against injustices. He references the poignant words of Michael-Fred Paul Sauka, composer of the Malawi National Anthem, calling for freedom from fear as a cornerstone of the nation’s identity.
In a climate where many fear retaliation for speaking the truth, Kenani’s post serves as both a rallying cry and a challenge for Malawians to confront the uncomfortable realities of their judiciary. He concludes with a hopeful assertion that “the truth, alone, will triumph,” encouraging a movement towards accountability and reform in Malawi’s legal landscape.
As the discussion unfolds, it remains to be seen how Kenani’s bold statements will resonate with both the public and those in positions of power within the judicial system. The call for transparency and integrity in the face of corruption is a critical issue that continues to shape Malawi’s socio-political discourse.
