.…“A Nation Held Hostage by Crooks”: Professor Chirwa Tears Into Mutharika’s Chaotic Appointments, Says Malawi Is Being Looted Piece by Piece

PRETORIA-(MaraviPost)-A storm is brewing in Malawi’s political circles after renowned constitutional law scholar Professor Danwood Chirwa launched a scathing attack on President Peter Mutharika, accusing him of “parceling out the country to crooks” through what he calls chaotic, piecemeal appointments.

In a blistering social media post that has set tongues wagging, the University of Cape Town-based professor said Mutharika’s slow and selective approach to filling key government positions is a symptom of weak leadership, not wisdom.

Chirwa’s remarks come amid growing public frustration over Mutharika’s staggered and opaque appointment process, which has seen key ministries, departments, and parastatals filled in phases, often after long delays — and, critics say, with questionable individuals.

The professor did not mince words, accusing the president of ceding control to corrupt networks within his circle.

The outburst comes just days after Mutharika named new heads of the Malawi Revenue Authority, Attorney General’s office, and other top government posts — moves that have drawn mixed reactions, with some describing them as “rewarding loyalty over merit.”

Chirwa went further, drawing parallels with Madagascar, suggesting that Malawi may need a radical reset to break the cycle of impunity and political patronage.

He ended his post with a stinging rebuke:

Chirwa’s words reflect deepening public anxiety about the direction of Mutharika’s administration, which many view as sluggish, uncoordinated, and captured by vested interests.

Specifically questionable appointments included Minister of State (Alfred Gangata) with court battles on possession of fake MSCE certificate and forgery contract cases.

Not only that but also Minister of Agriculture (Roza Mbilizi) is still in court with Norman Chisale on abuse of Mutharika’s TPN.

While Attorney General (AG) Frank Mbeta has compromised reputation in legal circles who has been reaping from clients.

And also Finance Minister (Joseph Mwanamvekha) is also in court for various financial crimes committed before 2020.

Observers say the professor’s intervention captures a growing sentiment among Malawians that the government has become a fiefdom of political elites, disconnected from the everyday struggles of citizens facing economic decline, joblessness, and rising living costs.

Whether Mutharika will respond is yet to be seen — but one thing is clear: Malawi’s patience is wearing thin, and even the nation’s sharpest minds are no longer holding back.

Additional information: Nyasa Times