Mutharika dismisses Chakwera’s claims on politically motivated arrests

President Peter Mutharika has dismissed assertions by former president Lazarus Chakwera that the arrest of some senior Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials is politically motivated.

The President’s rejection of the claims comes after Chakwera expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of politically motivated arrests under the current administration.

In a statement issued yesterday, Chakwera said he held a phone conversation with Mutharika in which he expressed concern over the arrests.

The former president’s concerns were conveyed to Mutharika, who responded through his Press Secretary, Cathy Maulidi.

However, Mutharika’s Press Secretary, Cathy Maulidi, said the President rejected the claims, stating that the arrests are based on evidence and not political considerations.

Maulidi’s statement suggests that the current administration is confident in the grounds for the arrests, emphasizing that they are not driven by political motives.

Maulidi said President Mutharika told his predecessor that unlike during Chakwera’s administration, where arrests were allegedly made without sufficient evidence and resulted in no convictions, law enforcement agencies are acting on clear evidence.

The President’s comments appear to draw a distinction between the current administration’s approach to law enforcement and that of the previous government.

She added that the President assured Chakwera that individuals arrested under the current administration will be taken to court within the shortest possible time.

This assurance is likely intended to demonstrate the administration’s commitment to due process and the rule of law.

Five figures from the main opposition party have so far been arrested on various charges and they include Vitumbiko Mumba, Richard Chimwendo Banda, Jessie Kabwila, Moses Kunkuyu and Ezekiel Ching’oma.

The arrests have sparked concerns about the motivations behind them, with Chakwera’s comments reflecting the opposition’s perspective on the matter.