BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Former President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent call alleging that the arrest of senior Malawi Congress Party (MCP) officials is politically motivated is a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black.

The man who presided over a regime notorious for arbitrary arrests and detentions, often without evidence or due process, has the audacity to lecture President Peter Mutharika on governance and human rights. It’s time for Chakwera to shut up and reflect on his own record.

During his five-year tenure, Chakwera’s administration was marked by a string of politically motivated arrests, targeting critics, opposition figures, and perceived enemies of the state.

The list of victims is long and includes notable figures such as Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, Late Saulos Chilima, Alfred Gangata, Ben Phiri, Henry Mussa, Roza Mbilizi, Peter Mukhito, Jean Mathanga, Henry Mathanga, Norman Chisale, Linda Kunje, Martha Chizuma, Rayneck Matemba, Mzomera Ngwira, Enock Chihana, Bon Kalindo, Patricia Kaliyati, Sameer Suleman, Charles Mchacha, Leonard Chimbanga, Levy Luwemba, Newton Kambala, Kamlepo Kalua, Kennedy Luwemba, Fegus Lipenga, Grace Kaphale, Ben Chitsonga, Godfrey Itaye, Henry Macheso, Elvin Mwapasa, Stanley Chirwa, Joseph Mwanamvekha, James Chuma, Henry Njoloma, Elvis Thodi, and many others.

Not a single one of these individuals was convicted, because, as President Mutharika pointed out, the arrests were made without sufficient evidence.

The same cannot be said of the current administration, which has taken a more measured approach, ensuring that law enforcement agencies act on clear evidence before making arrests.

The five MCP officials who were recently arrested including Vitumbiko Mumba, Richard Chimwendo Banda, Jessie Kabwila, Moses Kunkuyu, and Ezekiel Ching’oma, are being held on charges that are being investigated and will be tried in court.

Chakwera’s claim that the arrests are politically motivated is not only baseless but also an insult to the intelligence of Malawians.

His regime’s record on human rights and governance is a matter of public record, and he should be the last person to lecture anyone on the rule of law.

The people of Malawi remember the terror and intimidation that characterized his administration, and they will not be swayed by his empty rhetoric.

It’s time for Chakwera to take a long, hard look in the mirror and confront the demons of his past.

He should acknowledge the damage his regime inflicted on the country and its people, and seek redemption rather than trying to score cheap political points.

The Mutharika administration has shown restraint and commitment to the rule of law, and it will not be swayed by baseless allegations from a man with a tainted past.

To Lazarus Chakwera, we say: shut up and reflect on your own record.

The people of Malawi deserve better than lectures from someone who presided over a regime of terror and repression.

The current administration will continue to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is served, without fear or favor.

The list of victims of Chakwera’s regime goes on and on, and it’s time he took responsibility for his actions. The people of Malawi will not forget, and they will not forgive.

It’s time for Chakwera to retire from the scene and let those who are committed to democracy and the rule of law take the reins.

In conclusion, the arrest of the MCP officials is a matter for the courts, and it’s not for Chakwera or anyone else to prejudge.

The Mutharika administration has shown commitment to justice and the rule of law, and it will not be swayed by baseless allegations.

Chakwera should shut up and let justice take its course.

The Maravi Post