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By Suleman Chitera

A storm of public outrage is brewing as critics intensify calls for a full forensic audit into the financial decisions made during former President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration. Civil society groups, political commentators and social media activists are demanding answers on how billions of kwacha were spent within unusually short periods, accusing the former leader of leaving Malawi in deep economic distress.

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According to allegations circulating among concerned citizens, Chakwera is said to have spent K67 billion in just six months, followed by another K3 trillion within a four-month period. These figures—yet to be officially confirmed by any independent audit—have fueled questions on where such vast sums of public money went, and why the administration had to rely heavily on borrowing despite the huge expenditures.

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Critics argue that the spending patterns under Chakwera defied economic logic at a time Malawi was already grappling with forex shortages, rising inflation, and a growing public debt burden. They claim that instead of stabilizing the economy, the government’s actions worsened the nation’s financial position—leaving Malawians demanding transparency.

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“Malawi deserves to know what these billions and trillions were used for,” argues one governance analyst. “The figures are too large, too fast, and too unexplained. A proper investigation is not optional—it is necessary.”

Some activists have gone as far as demanding the confiscation of any unexplained wealth linked to former officials if audits reveal wrongdoing, insisting that public funds must be recovered and returned to Malawians.

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While supporters of the former president defend him, saying the expenditures were part of government operations and crisis-response programmes, the pressure for clarity continues to grow. Calls for Parliament, the Auditor General, and anti-corruption bodies to open a comprehensive probe have now intensified.