LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Malawi First activist Bon Kalindo and fellow campaigners have strongly criticised lawyer Alexious Kamangira and social media commentator Onjezani Kenani for what they describe as “irresponsible and damaging” use of social media.

In a joint press conference with Edward Kambanje on Saturday, February 21, 20 activists accused the two of publicly labelling individuals as corrupt without submitting evidence to relevant authorities, a tendency they say is harming reputations and exposing public servants to threats.

Kalindo warned that casually branding officials as corrupt undermines institutions and fuels hostility.

“If anyone has evidence of corruption of any public officer or anyone, the procedure is to submit that evidence to the right government institutions.

“There is the ACB, there is the Financial intelligence Authority and there is Malawi Police,” Kalindo said.

He added, “This tendency of just calling others corrupt is the same as taking the law into one’s hands rather than trusting state institutions”.

The activists further criticised what they described as the targeting of reputable lawyers for simply defending clients in court, arguing that legal representation should not be equated with corruption.

In recent weeks, Kamangira and Kenani have publicly accused several high-ranking public officials of corruption, drawing significant attention online.

While some observers agree that certain government decisions warrant scrutiny, Kalindo maintains that questionable decisions do not automatically amount to corruption.

He emphasised the need for restraint, due process and institutional engagement rather than public condemnation.

The debate has once again highlighted growing tensions between activist commentary on social media and formal anti-corruption procedures within state institutions.

Echoing the same Kambanje urged Malawians desist from making trial against innocent people on social media.