Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito, who also once served as Inspector General of Malawi Police Services, has defended the police response that saw officers fire tear gas at supporters of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) who attempted to lay wreaths at the Kamuzu Mausoleum, saying no political party should place itself above laws governing public assemblies and processions.
The incident, which unfolded in Lilongwe’s City Centre, has triggered fresh political debate over the balance between democratic freedoms and the enforcement of public order laws, with the government insisting that the action taken by security agencies was necessary to maintain order and ensure compliance with established procedures.
Speaking in reaction to the confrontation, Mukhito said procedures requiring political groups and organisers to seek clearance from the police and relevant local authorities are not designed to suppress democracy or restrict political participation.
According to the Minister, the regulations are intended to assist authorities in coordinating public activities, managing traffic flow, guaranteeing public safety, and preventing potential violence or destruction of property during political events.
Mukhito stressed that all political parties, regardless of their status or influence, are expected to comply with the same legal framework governing public gatherings.
“The Malawi Congress Party should not place itself above the laws governing public assemblies and processions,” said Mukhito.
He further called on political leaders and their supporters to demonstrate responsible leadership by cooperating with law enforcement agencies and respecting lawful procedures at all times.
“Democracy thrives not through confrontation with law enforcement agencies, but through mutual respect for constitutional order, dialogue, and adherence to the rule of law,” he stated.
The remarks come amid growing political tensions in the country as parties intensify mobilisation efforts ahead of major national political engagements.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said police moved in after MCP supporters allegedly proceeded with the gathering without completing the required clearance procedures, leading to running battles and the dispersal of crowds using tear gas.
The development has sparked mixed reactions from the public, with some defending the police for enforcing the law, while others accused authorities of using excessive force against opposition supporters exercising their democratic rights.
However, Mukhito maintained that selective obedience to the law threatens democratic stability and warned against what he described as a growing culture of political impunity.
He urged Malawians to reject any tendency where laws are obeyed or ignored based on political convenience.
“We must all reject any culture of political impunity where laws are selectively obeyed depending on political convenience,” he said.
The incident at the Kamuzu Mausoleum is expected to further intensify national debate over freedom of assembly, police conduct, and the role of security institutions in managing political events in Malawi.
