By Yohane Symon & Jarson Malowa:
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Member of Parliament for Machinga Central East Constituency, David Chikwanje, was Tuesday transferred from Machinga Police Station to Zomba Police Station where he was expected to spend his second night in custody.
Chikwanje, who is also the party’s deputy secretary general for the Eastern Region, is expected to appear in court in the old capital following his arrest on Monday afternoon.
Police picked him on allegations that he had uttered words encouraging DPP followers in his area to set ablaze anyone found in Malawi Congress Party (MCP) regalia.
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In an interview, Malawi Police Service (MPS) spokesperson Peter Kalaya confirmed that Chikwanje would spend another night in police custody as he awaits his court appearance in relation to his charges.
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Kalaya could not confirm when Chikwanje will be taken to court, although the police indicated on Monday, after his arrest, that he would be taken to court today.
“Once the relevant paperwork is completed, Chikwanje will be taken to court to answer a charge of proposing violence, which contravenes section 86 of the Penal Code,” Kalaya said.
In a video clip that went viral, the lawmaker is seen telling DPP followers not to allow people wearing MCP colours to visit his area. He stated that the Nsanama area in Machinga used to have strong boys who would not allow people wearing MCP colours in that area.
Political commentators and MCP have condemned Chikwanje’s comments, saying they have the potential to incite civil unrest as the country prepares for the November 2025 general elections.
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MCP secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda, during a press briefing on Monday, said Chikwanje’s remarks were unacceptable and could easily lead Malawi into political violence.
His sentiments were echoed by political analyst George Chaima, who encouraged political leaders in the country to promote peace and coexistence in their political messages as the nation enters election season.
DPP spokesperson Shadric Namalomba said the party believes in democracy, asserting that acts of violence must not be tolerated in any form.
Meanwhile, the National Advocacy Platform has backed MPS for condemning the allegations of incitement to violence.
“Such inflammatory statements are not only reckless but also dangerously threaten the peace and democratic integrity of our nation as we approach the 2025 elections.
While Sections 32 and 40 of the Malawi Constitution guarantee the right to freedom of association and political participation, these rights must be exercised responsibly,” a statement signed by Nap chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and national coordinator Baxton Nkhoma reads.
The statement further stresses that inciting violence and promoting lawlessness jeopardise Malawi’s peace and stability.
Therefore, Nap has called on political leaders from all sides to refrain from engaging in hate speech and chaos, “as these actions threaten to tear the nation apart”.
Nap has urged MPS to act swiftly and decisively by investigating and prosecuting individuals responsible for inciting violence, irrespective of their political affiliations.
The platform has further suggested that political leaders must unequivocally reject any form of incitement and actively promote peaceful, constructive political dialogue.
“Political actors should lead by example, fostering a culture of respect where differing political views are acknowledged without resorting to violence,” the Nap statement reads.
