By Suleman Chitera,
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has taken a swipe at the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), accusing it of hypocrisy and desperation in the wake of recent arrests of senior MCP officials.
Speaking in an interview with The Times, DPP spokesperson Shadrick Namalomba dismissed MCP claims that the opposition is politicising the arrests, insisting that Malawi is governed by the rule of law—not party interests or political emotions.
“Malawi is a country of laws, not excuses,” Namalomba said. “The MCP must allow the law to take its course instead of crying foul every time one of their own is held accountable.”
Namalomba turned the tables on the governing party, accusing MCP officials of having a long history of trampling on the law while in power, acting with impunity and little regard for consequences.
“For years, MCP officials took the law into their own hands. They violated it openly and arrogantly, believing power would shield them forever,” he said. “Now that the law is catching up, they want to hide behind propaganda and blame the DPP.”
He said it was dishonest for the MCP to accuse the DPP of orchestrating arrests when, in his view, it is the MCP that presided over widespread abuse of Malawians and public institutions.
“The MCP abused Malawians greatly. Today, citizens are not asking why arrests are happening—they are asking when those responsible will finally be arrested,” Namalomba charged.
The DPP spokesperson warned against what he described as a dangerous attempt by the MCP to intimidate law enforcement and manipulate public opinion to shield alleged wrongdoing.
“Anyone who has not broken the law has no reason to panic,” Namalomba said. “But those who broke the law must face the consequences, regardless of their political colour or position.”
He urged the MCP to stop what he termed “political theatrics” and respect the independence of state institutions, arguing that selective justice and political victimhood narratives only undermine democracy.
As tensions continue to rise over the arrests, Namalomba maintained that accountability should not be negotiable. “The rule of law must apply to everyone. Malawi cannot move forward if leaders believe they are above the law,” he said.
The MCP has yet to formally respond to the latest remarks, but the exchange signals an intensifying political battle as accountability, justice, and power collide on Malawi’s political stage.
