MCP declines to participate in new Chikangawa plane crash inquiry

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The former ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has announced that it will not participate in a new parliamentary inquiry into the Chikangawa plane crash of June 10, 2024, which claimed the life of former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others.

According the Leader of Opposition (LoP) in parliament Simplex Chithyola Banda,the decision is intended to protect the integrity of the investigation, noting that the MCP-led government had already conducted two separate inquiries into the incident.

He adds that it would be in the party’s interest to allow the new process to proceed independently.

Ealier,Nkhotakota Central Constituency legislator Silvester Ayuba James, who also opted out of the inquiry, argued that individuals who have previously made public statements on the crash should not serve on the committee, as prior views could compromise the credibility of the investigation.

Ayuba further questioned the inclusion of Felix Njawala, who has publicly cast doubt on whether the incident was accidental, saying his participation contradicts the spirit of the inquiry and earlier guidance from the Speaker of Parliament.

MCP Chief Whip Moses Kunkuyu also criticised the committee’s composition, arguing that it gives the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) undue dominance.

Kunkuyu noted that while four members were selected from the DPP, the independent members are also aligned with the ruling party, effectively bringing its influence to seven members.

He proposed a more balanced approach, suggesting that two independents be drawn from the government side and one from the opposition to ensure a fair and credible process.

Meanwhile, Leader of the House Jappie Mhango questioned the opposition’s motives in rejecting the committee’s structure.

In his communication to Parliament, Speaker Sameer Suleman said his office had received the proposed list of committee members in line with the agreed representation ratio.

The ad hoc committee comprises Gilbert Khonyongwa, Chipalamoto Nkhwazi, James Mpunga, and Dumisani Lindani from the DPP; Joshua Malango and Jiverson Kadzipatike from the MCP; Felix Njawala representing the United Transformation Movement (UTM); Noah Chimpeni representing the People’s Party (PP); Ishmael Rizziq Mkumba representing the United Democratic Front (UDF); and independent members Noel Mkubwi, Bengo Moses, and Walter Nyamilandu.

The formation of the committee and the opposition’s decision to abstain have since sparked debate over how to ensure transparency and balance in the investigation, as the nation awaits further developments.

Chisomo Phiri

I am an experienced young journalist who writes for Malawi’s major print and online publications. I currently work for The Maravi Post (www.maravipost.com), one of the Malawi’s fastest growing Online Newspapers as a National Reporter. I am interested in environmental, science and innovation, Education and human rights reporting