“Inquiry Sodomized,” Ayuba slams probe as MCP pulls out of Chilima crash investigation

A fresh parliamentary inquiry into the 2024 Chikangawa plane crash has been thrown into turmoil after Nkhotakota Central legislator Silvester Ayuba James declared that the process has been “sodomized,” raising serious doubts about its credibility even before proceedings begin.

The controversy erupted as the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) announced it would not take part in the probe into the June 10, 2024 crash that killed former Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others.

The inquiry, set up by Speaker Sameer Suleman, is expected to run for 90 days and present its findings at the next sitting of Parliament.

Ayuba criticized the selection of committee members, arguing that some individuals already hold strong public views about the crash, undermining the inquiry’s impartiality.

He stressed that such prior positions could weaken public confidence, saying investigations should focus on uncovering truth rather than confirming existing opinions.

Ayuba also questioned the inclusion of Felix Njawala, who has previously expressed doubts about the crash being accidental, calling the decision inconsistent.

He further alleged that some independent lawmakers on the committee are politically aligned, particularly with the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), compromising neutrality.

According to Ayuba, the committee’s composition heavily favors the DPP, which he said damages the credibility of the entire process and makes its outcome difficult to trust.

Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda said the MCP’s withdrawal is meant to safeguard the integrity of the inquiry, noting that previous investigations had already been conducted and the new probe should proceed independently.

MCP Chief Whip Moses Kunkuyu also criticized the structure of the committee, arguing that it gives the DPP undue dominance through the inclusion of independents aligned with the party.

Kunkuyu suggested a more balanced approach, proposing that independent members should be drawn from both government and opposition sides to ensure fairness and credibility.

Meanwhile, Njawala defended the inquiry, welcoming its formation and expressing optimism that it will address gaps left by earlier investigations and answer lingering public questions.

Despite these differing positions, authorities maintain the committee was fairly constituted, though divisions and skepticism continue to raise concerns about whether the inquiry’s findings will gain public trust.