Shire Times has learned of the passing of former legal luminary Ralph Kasambara. His body was discovered at a lodge in Lilongwe, though the cause of death remains undetermined.
Kasambara, renowned for his sharp legal acumen, gained prominence as Attorney General under Bingu wa Mutharika’s administration. His influence continued to rise when Joyce Banda appointed him as both Minister of Justice and Attorney General simultaneously.
Kasambara’s career, however, was marred by his involvement in the attempted assassination of Paul Mphwiyo. Mphwiyo narrowly survived a shooting incident at his residence, an attack orchestrated by Pika Manondo and another accomplice, Kumwembe, who were both convicted and are serving prison sentences. Kasambara, accused of masterminding the plot, was also convicted and served time at Zomba Maximum Prison before being released on bail pending an appeal by then Supreme Court Justice Dunstan Mwaungulu.
Since then, Kasambara retreated from public life, distancing himself from politics, social commentary, and legal practice.
