The government has moved to defend the continued stay of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General Gabriel Chembezi, insisting the anti-graft body remains legally led despite mounting questions over why he is still in office months after his appointment.
The defence comes as public scrutiny intensifies over Chembezi’s tenure, with critics questioning why the bureau is yet to get a substantive director despite reports that interviews for the position were conducted some time ago.
Attorney General Frank Mbeta said the government acted within the law by extending Chembezi’s contract until November 2026 to prevent a leadership vacuum at the country’s principal anti-corruption institution.
Mbeta said the law allows such extensions where necessary, particularly when the recruitment process for a substantive office holder has not been concluded.
He said the administration remains committed to observing legal procedures and maintaining transparency in public appointments.
Governance advocate Edward Chaka described continuity of leadership at the bureau as important, noting that corruption remains a major obstacle to national development and requires strong institutional oversight.
Chaka said the key issue for Malawians is not the length of the arrangement but whether authorities are acting within the law while ensuring the country’s anti-corruption efforts remain on course.
