The arrest of Dr. Jessie Kabwila is not about law and order. It is yet another sad act in a long-running play of political persecution. Malawians are no longer fooled.
What is shocking is not just the arrest itself, but the trivial and unclear nature of the charges. Dr. Kabwila handed herself over to police, yet hours later she has not been formally charged. Her lawyers were simply told, “the reasons will be given later.” This is not justice. This is intimidation dressed in uniform.
We have seen this script before. First it was Mumba, arrested over a meaningless “we got this” remark during the heat of the September 16 election—a time when every political party was projecting confidence. Then came the absurd accusation against MCP Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, allegedly linked to the attempted murder of a political non-entity, one Frank Chiwanda. Now it is Dr. Kabwila’s turn.
Let us be clear: this is not coincidence. It is a pattern.
While the DPP is busy arresting opposition figures, the country is falling apart. Employment has been frozen. Young people are languishing with no hope. Prices of essential commodities are skyrocketing daily. Life is becoming unbearable for ordinary Malawians. These are the real crimes against the people—yet they remain unattended.
Instead of fixing these serious problems, the DPP has chosen to chase its main political rival, the MCP. This is a dangerous game. The MCP has a large and passionate following across the country. Attacking its leaders is the same as attacking its supporters. If this reckless behavior continues, no one should be surprised if the country becomes ungovernable.
Politics is a competition. Everyone wants to win, and everyone does their best to do so. But once you have won, govern. Do not waste your time hunting those who lost. You will lose focus, and before five years are over, you will have nothing meaningful to show the Malawian people.
Instead of concentrating on the welfare of an octogenarian President and the suffering nation he leads, the DPP appears obsessed with proving that it has power. Power without wisdom is dangerous. Power without restraint is destructive.
When this situation reaches boiling point, do not say you were never warned.
