By Suleman Chitera
Police have formally arrested Moses Kunkuyu, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Director of Campaign, intensifying concerns over what critics describe as the growing criminalisation of politics in Malawi.
Kunkuyu, who voluntarily presented himself to police earlier on Monday morning, was taken into custody and transferred to Kanengo Police Station, where he is being held on allegations of proposing violence.
Confirming the arrest, his lawyer George Jivason Kadzipatike said police had proceeded with detention despite legal objections raised by the defence.
“He is under arrest,” Kadzipatike said, adding that law enforcement officers dismissed submissions that Kunkuyu enjoys parliamentary immunity.
According to Kadzipatike, Kunkuyu is a sitting Member of Parliament whose International Relations Committee of Parliament was in session at the time of his arrest. He further noted that when Kunkuyu reported to police, he was en route to Parliament of Malawi, a factor the defence argues should have shielded him from arrest under parliamentary privilege.
The arrest follows controversial remarks allegedly made by Kunkuyu during a funeral, which authorities claim amount to incitement. However, the development has reignited accusations that police are selectively enforcing the law against opposition-linked figures while turning a blind eye to politically convenient offences.
Kunkuyu becomes the latest high-profile political figure to be arrested in recent months, a trend that has unsettled civil society groups and legal experts who warn that the justice system risks being weaponised to settle political scores.
As pressure mounts, questions remain over whether the law is being applied impartially—or whether Malawi is sliding deeper into an era where political speech is policed through handcuffs rather than debate.
- MCP supporter claims to have voted for Mutharika because of anger
By Vincent Gunde A Malawi Congress Party (MCP) supporter speaking through an audio clip, has claimed that she voted for… - Kamphangala visits ADMARC silos to appreciate Mutharika’s maize
By Vincent Gunde A Malawi Congress Party (MCP) diehard of Mvera in Dowa district Mr. Rodgers Kamphangala, has urged farmers… - Chisale Cracks the Whip on Immigration Corruption, Vows End to Passport Crisis
By Suleman Chitera The Second Deputy Minister of Homeland Security, Norman Paulosi Chisale, has issued a stern warning to corrupt… - Kunkuyu Arrest Sparks Fresh Political Storm
By Suleman Chitera Police have formally arrested Moses Kunkuyu, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Director of Campaign, intensifying concerns over… - Judicial Reform in Limbo as Key Law Left Unassented
By Staff Reporter The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has completed drafting regulations and key instruments intended to fully operationalise Malawi’s… - Moses Kunkuyu Detained as Police Crack Down on Former Ministers
By Suleman Chitera Former Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu has become the latest ex–cabinet member to be detained by police,… - Mwanamveka Graces Youth Pre-Budget Consultation at BICC
By Suleman Chitera The Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Decentralisation, Josephy Mathyola Mwanamveka, has presided over a high-level Youth… - Government Champions Youth-Led Development Ahead of 2026–2027 National Budget
By Suleman Chitera The Minister of Finance, Honourable Joseph Mwanamvekha, has reaffirmed government’s strong commitment to placing young people at… - Kukwiya Kosankha kwa HRDC: Ndani Akuyenera kupepesa kwa a Malawi?
By Suleman Chitera Pempho la bungwe la HRDC loti Chihana apepese likubweretsa funso lofunika kwambiri kuposa lomwe bungweli likufuna kuyankha:… - HRDC’s Selective Outrage: Who Really Owes Malawi an Apology?By Suleman Chitera The demand by the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) for an apology from Chihana raises a far…
- MADRA Brings Hope to Flood-Hit Families in Lower Shire
By Suleman Chitera Muslim Disaster Relief Aid (MADRA), a coalition of Muslim organisations, has brought renewed hope to communities reeling…
