Tension is reportedly simmering at Police Headquarters in Area 30 as senior officers position themselves for influence, with the succession of Inspector General of Police Richard Luhanga increasingly becoming a subject of discussion within the Malawi Police Service.
The appointment of Evalista Chisale and Noel Kayira as Deputy Inspectors General has added a new dimension to the succession question, placing two officers at the centre of the service’s top command.
Chisale is increasingly being viewed as the more formidable candidate for the country’s top police job, with her seniority, experience and elevation to the powerful Administration portfolio giving her a significant edge over Kayira.
Her promotion has reportedly unsettled the balance within the senior command, with sources suggesting that Kayira is increasingly coming under pressure as Chisale’s profile rises.
Chisale has spent years climbing through the police ranks and is now responsible for Administration, placing her at the heart of important institutional decisions. Her combination of seniority, experience and current position has led some officers to view her as a natural successor should the Inspector General’s position become vacant.
Sources say Chisale’s elevation has changed the succession equation, with her now widely regarded within some circles as the stronger contender.
The growing rivalry has reportedly spilled into the way some senior officers are conducting themselves, with sources alleging that Kayira has in recent weeks sought to strengthen his own position by reaching beyond his immediate chain of command.
One issue being discussed within the service concerns allegations that Kayira wrote Secretary to the President and Cabinet, SPC Justin Saidi, directly seeking additional personnel, as well as amber lights and sirens for his security detail.
Sources claim the request was made without the knowledge of his immediate superior, Luhanga, raising questions within the service about the breakdown of communication and chain of command.
The move has reportedly raised eyebrows at Area 30, with some officers interpreting it as a sign of growing anxiety within the senior command as the succession question becomes more intense.
Sources further allege that Kayira’s request was linked to an alleged understanding that he would receive support for his possible bid for the Inspector General’s position if Luhanga eventually leaves for a United Nations assignment.
However, sources say Saidi rejected the request, reportedly on the grounds that the proposed arrangements were not consistent with Kayira’s legal benefits.
These claims could not independently be verified, and there is no official confirmation that any such understanding existed between the officers.
There are also allegations of disagreements between Kayira and Luhanga over a number of administrative matters.
One such issue concerns the procurement of reconditioned vehicles from Dubai. Sources allege that disagreements emerged over the handling of the procurement process, with one senior officer reportedly refusing to sign minutes relating to the matter.
The reported security request, vehicle procurement dispute and alleged succession deal therefore remain allegations, with the concerned officers yet to publicly comment on the claims.
The succession debate has gained further attention amid reports that Luhanga could eventually leave the position for an assignment with the United Nations, although there has been no official confirmation of such a move.
According to sources, Luhanga is understood to favour Chisale, whom he reportedly considers more mature and experienced for the country’s top police job.
That reported preference has further complicated the succession battle, particularly as Chisale’s promotion has strengthened her standing within the service.
What is increasingly clear, however, is that Chisale’s arrival in the top command has changed the succession equation.
Unlike Kayira, whose recent moves are reportedly attracting attention over questions of chain of command, Chisale’s rise has been driven largely by her seniority, experience and position within the institutional structure of the police service.
Her elevation has therefore placed her firmly among the leading contenders—and, according to some within the service, potentially the front-runner—to succeed Luhanga.
For now, Luhanga remains Inspector General of Police.
But as speculation over his future grows, the battle to succeed him appears to be taking shape at Area 30, with Chisale increasingly emerging as the top contender and Kayira facing a tougher race than perhaps initially anticipated.
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