By Burnett Munthali
The Ulama Council of Malawi has officially written to the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) to express its strong condemnation of remarks made by Apostle Clifford Kawinga against polygamy, which were aired on Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) TV.
In a widely circulated video clip, which has gone viral on social media, Apostle Kawinga is seen making provocative statements against polygamists and their spouses.
During his crusade in Zomba on March 3, 2025, the cleric publicly denounced polygamists, calling them sinners, while also labeling their wives as prostitutes.
The remarks, aired by the state broadcaster, have since sparked outrage among various religious and cultural groups in Malawi, particularly among Muslim communities and ethnic groups that practice polygamy.
In a letter signed by the Ulama Council’s Secretary General, Sheikh Muslim Abbas Vinjenje, the council described Kawinga’s statements as inflammatory and derogatory.
Sheikh Vinjenje emphasized that such unchecked and provocative language has the potential to incite violence, especially in a multicultural and multi-faith society like Malawi.
He further warned that the country is approaching a highly sensitive period as it heads toward the General Elections, and such divisive rhetoric could deepen tensions.
The Ulama Council has, therefore, demanded that MACRA take decisive action against Apostle Kawinga and MBC for broadcasting the offensive content.
Specifically, the council wants MACRA to issue a public condemnation of Kawinga’s remarks, compel him to issue a public apology and retract his statements, and initiate dialogue with religious and traditional leaders to reinforce mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
According to the Ulama Council, MACRA, as a regulatory body, must acknowledge the serious implications of allowing such inflammatory rhetoric to be aired by a taxpayer-funded public institution.
The council stressed that the Muslim community in Malawi has consistently engaged in charitable activities, including food distribution to people of all faiths and backgrounds, without discrimination or judgment.
It further urged Apostle Kawinga and other religious leaders to adopt an inclusive approach that fosters national unity rather than division.
Sheikh Vinjenje also noted that such reckless and malicious statements are not only offensive to religious values but also disrespectful to Malawian cultural traditions.
He highlighted that polygamy is an accepted practice among several ethnic groups in Malawi, including the Tumbuka, Ngoni, and others, and should not be subjected to unwarranted attacks.
The council has since called on the government and relevant authorities to ensure that religious discourse in Malawi remains respectful and does not infringe on the rights and beliefs of other communities.
As the controversy continues to unfold, many Malawians will be keen to see how MACRA responds to the Ulama Council’s demands and whether Apostle Kawinga will address the growing calls for him to apologize.
