Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito says the Malawi Police Service acted within the law when officers stopped what he described as an unlawful procession by the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) during Kamuzu Day commemorations on Thursday.
Mukhito, whose ministry oversees the Malawi Police Service, made the remarks in a press statement released hours after police fired tear gas to disperse MCP officials and supporters, including former Head of State and MCP president Lazarus Chakwera, who were marching towards Kamuzu Mausoleum in Lilongwe.
The incident occurred after the MCP held a separate prayer service at its headquarters before attempting to proceed to the mausoleum, where Chakwera was expected to lay a wreath in honour of Malawi’s founding President, Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
Police had earlier mounted roadblocks along major routes leading to the mausoleum, including near the Civic Offices and the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC), as part of security measures surrounding the official Kamuzu Day programme.
According to Mukhito, the Malawi Police Service acted within its constitutional mandate to enforce the laws of the Republic, maintain public order and preserve national security.
“Malawi’s democracy can only remain strong when all citizens and political actors, regardless of status or political affiliation, submit themselves to the rule of law,” reads part of the statement.
He said organisers of demonstrations and political processions must comply with legal requirements and established security procedures to ensure public safety and prevent violence or destruction of property.
Mukhito further stressed that no political party should place itself above the laws governing public assemblies and processions.
The minister also commended the Malawi Police Service for exercising restraint and professionalism during the incident despite the tense political environment.
“Maintaining peace in a politically charged environment is never easy, and officers often operate under immense pressure to balance constitutional freedoms with national security obligations,” he said.
Mukhito has since called on all political stakeholders to cooperate with security institutions and promote peace, order and national unity.
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