MCP demands apology from Times Group over Kamuzu Palace story, blames DPP for ‘pathetic attempt to divert attention’

October 09, 2025 03:57 PM

Archangel Nzangaya

Calls grow for prosecution over Kamuzu palace vandalism- Malawi24

The Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has demanded an immediate public apology from The Times Group following what it calls a “malicious and irresponsible” front-page story alleging that former President Lazarus Chakwera and his party deliberately destroyed state residences before leaving office.

In a statement, MCP National Publicity Secretary Jessie Kabwila said the story published on Wednesday, October 8th under the headline “State House in Disrepair,” allegedly used fake photographs claimed to be from a damaged Kamuzu Palace.

“The MCP condemns in the strongest terms the unprofessional conduct of Times Group and their reporter Cathy Maulidi, who used fake photos for their front-page newspaper story on Wednesday, October 8th, titled “State House in Disrepair,” claiming they were from the damaged Kamuzu Palace.

“Consequently, we demand an immediate apology from the Times Group for this malicious and irresponsible reporting,” read the statement.

MCP has reminded The Times Group that accuracy and fairness are the cornerstones of responsible journalism, saying misrepresentation damages public trust and the integrity of the press.

The MCP respects freedom of the press and considers the work journalists do as an integral part of democracy and development. However, the MCP also believes that Journalists have a moral obligation to inform and educate and not to deceive. We thus urge all media houses to adhere to these principles.

The opposition party further reminded the public that the former President is a patriotic and development-oriented leader who has contributed significantly to infrastructure development in Malawi.

“The state residences were constructed by the MCP’s founding father, the late Hastings Kamuzu Banda, and it is absurd to suggest that the MCP would destroy this property. We call upon the public to disregard these baseless allegations and to seek information from credible sources,” added the party.

MCP has since accused the ruling DPP of spreading the news in an attempt to divert the attention of Malawians from the promises they made. “Malawians are waiting for: Free Secondary Education, 5 billion CDF, Free Feeding in all Universities amongst other grandiose promises.”