Washington State, USA

January 20, 2026

Steven Maseya

The Chakwera Era: An Analysis of Political Arrests and the Challenge of Judicial Convictions

During the presidency of Dr. Lazarus Chakwera (2020–2025), the Malawi Congress Party-led administration oversaw numerous high-profile arrests. Many of these actions were framed by the government as a “cleaning up” of corruption, while the people and political analysts frequently characterized them as political persecution.

Below is a list of over 60 notable of some individuals arrested during this period, categorized by their roles.

1. Some Top Political Figures

Saulos Chilima: The former Vice President was arrested in November 2022 on corruption allegations involving businessman Zuneth Sattar.
Joseph Mwanamveka: Former Minister of Finance; arrested for abuse of office and fraud related to the sale of the Malawi Savings Bank and falsifying figures for the IMF.
Dalitso Kabambe: Former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Malawi; arrested on charges related to abuse of office and financial irregularities.
Ben Phiri: Former Minister of Local Government and a key DPP strategist; arrested in connection with corruption at the Ministry of Gender.
Nicholas Dausi: Former Cabinet Minister; arrested in connection with procurement irregularities.
Newton Kambala: Former Minister of Energy; arrested in 2021 over allegations of influencing fuel supply contracts.
Charles Mchacha: Former Minister; arrested on multiple occasions for allegations including illegal acquisition of public land and abuse of office.

2. Some Civil Servants and Institutional Leaders

Justice Lloyd Muhara: Former Chief Secretary to the Government; arrested on charges related to his role in attempting to force out former Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda.
Dr. Collins Magalasi: Former CEO of the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA); arrested for fraud and money laundering.
Roza Mbilizi: Former Deputy Commissioner General of the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA); arrested in connection with the duty-free cement importation scandal.
Godfrey Itaye: Former Director General of MACRA and later MBC; arrested on charges of abuse of office.
Dr. Cliff Chiunda: Former Secretary to the Treasury; arrested in connection with various financial management scandals.

3. Some Security and Legal Officials

Norman Chisale: Former President Peter Mutharika’s security aide; arrested multiple times on various charges ranging from fraud to attempted murder and money laundering.
Martha Chizuma: The Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) was famously arrested in December 2022 over a leaked audio clip, though charges were later dropped after a public and international outcry.
Evalista Chisale: Former Police Commissioner; arrested in 2020 alongside 12 other officers in connection with the custodial death of Buleya Lule.
George Kainja: Former Inspector General of Police; arrested in 2022 in connection with the Zuneth Sattar corruption investigation.

4. Some Activists and Media, Communications, and Social Commentators

- Steven Maseya: Broadcaster, A digital communications specialist and commentator, Maseya was arrested on 11th November, 2021 in connection with the alleged “leaking” or sharing of fake MANEB papers on social media. His arrest was widely viewed by the general public and opposition then (DPP) as an attempt to stifle those with dissenting views against the Malawi Congress Party.
- Gregory Gondwe: An investigative journalist who was detained and had his equipment seized by police in April 2022 after his platform, Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ), published stories regarding government contracts involving businessman Zuneth Sattar.
- Joshua Chisa Mbele: A vocal social media influencer and critic of the MCP administration. He was arrested multiple times for his posts, facing charges of criminal libel and “publication of false news.”
- Bon Kalindo: While primarily a political activist, Kalindo (also known as Winiko) was frequently arrested for his audio clips and social media broadcasts that mobilized citizens against the rising cost of living.
- Watipaso Mzungu: A senior journalist who was summoned and questioned by police over news articles that were critical of the administration’s handling of certain state affairs.
- Sylvester Namiwa: Executive Director of the Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI); arrested during various protests against the administration.

Some of the notable people who also got arrested by Chakwera’s MCP are as follows; Hon. Alfred Gangata, Chingwalungwalu, Hon. Henry Mussa, Hon. Peter Mukhito, Gerald Chiunda, Commissioner Linda Kunje, Rayneck Matemba, Hon.Mzomera Ngwira, Hon. Enock Chihana, Silvester Namiwa, Kainja, Chaima, Hon. Sameer Suleman, Thom Mpinganjira, Henrie Njoloma, Hon. Leonard Chimbanga, Tadikila Mafuzya, Mutharika, Hon. Levy Luwemba, Hon. Kamplepo Kaluba, Hon. Fegus Lipenga, Grace Kaphale, Ben Chitsonga, , Henry Macheso, Elvin Mwapasa, Stanley Chirwa, Tamia ja, James Chuma, Elvis Thodi, Dr. Henry Njoloma, Gift Dulla, Dr. Allexon Chiwaya, Dr. Cliff Chiunda, Muchana Khwaye Mpuluka, Julius Mithi, Maulidi (MERA), Gerard Viola, Francisca Masamba Theula, Kaisi Sadala, Hon Chikwanje RG Eastern region and many others.

Toward the end of the term, particularly during and after the September 2025 General Elections, several other arrests occurred, eight Election Officials: Arrested in Lilongwe for alleged data manipulation and attempting to rig the vote.

While many of these individuals were arrested and charged, the conviction rate for high-profile political cases remained a subject of intense debate, with several cases being dismissed by the courts or stalled for years.

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