By Burnett Munthali
Minister of Higher Education, Jessie Kabwira, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Blantyre City South Member of Parliament, Sameer Suleiman.
The suit, which demands K500 million in damages, is linked to remarks Suleiman made during a political rally held in Blantyre on June 8, 2025.
Kabwira is being represented by lawyer George Jivason Kadzipatike of Jivason and Company.
According to Kadzipatike, the defamatory statements made by Suleiman stem from a misinterpretation of a light-hearted joke.
The original joke, Kadzipatike explained, was made by Minister of Trade, Vitumbiko Mumba, during a separate political rally held in Dedza.
Mumba and Kabwira, both prominent figures in the current administration, are close friends who are known to exchange playful banter during public events.
At the Dedza rally, Mumba made a humorous comment referencing Kabwira, which was widely understood as a friendly jest within political circles.
However, Kadzipatike alleges that MP Suleiman took the joke out of context and used it in a derogatory and defamatory manner.
Speaking at the Blantyre rally, Suleiman allegedly claimed that Kabwira “does not bathe,” a statement which Kabwira’s legal team says constitutes a serious personal attack.
Kadzipatike emphasized that such a comment is not only false and malicious, but also damaging to the reputation and dignity of the minister.
He further stated that Suleiman’s remarks were delivered in a public setting with the clear intention of humiliating and discrediting Minister Kabwira.
As a result, the Minister of Higher Education has taken legal action to seek redress and protect her public image.
The lawsuit is expected to draw national attention, as it touches on issues of political decorum, personal dignity, and the limits of freedom of expression in public discourse.
At the time of writing, MP Suleiman has not issued a public response to the lawsuit.
The case highlights the increasingly tense nature of political rhetoric in the country as the 2025 political calendar continues to unfold.
