Kabambe should put his evidence on the table on Malawi corruption

Dr Dalitso Kabambe’s open letter makes grave allegations, then leaves Malawians to guess who and what he means. He refers to corruption, money laundering, human trafficking, Cabinet ministers and the judiciary, but identifies no case and presents no evidence in the letter. If he knows of wrongdoing, he should take what he knows to the appropriate authorities. These matters are too serious to use as hints in a political message.

Kabambe, of all people, should understand the damage an accusation can do before the facts have been tested. He was arrested and faced serious allegations himself. Proceedings against him were later discontinued. He would rightly have objected if political opponents had treated his arrest as proof of guilt.

It is disappointing, then, to see him invite a rush to judgement against others through allegations he has yet to substantiate publicly.

This is no argument for shielding anyone. Every credible allegation should be investigated independently, regardless of whom it implicates. Kabambe should identify the cases he is referring to and submit any evidence he holds. That would give investigators something to examine and the public a basis on which to assess his claims.

Kabambe writes as though he is advising President Mutharika from a distance. Malawians will remember that he served as Reserve Bank governor under Mutharika before entering politics through the DPP. He later joined UTM and stood against Mutharika in 2025, finishing a distant third. He has every right to criticise the government. His political history also gives the public reason to ask whether this letter is a serious appeal for accountability or an attempt to gain ground through suggestion.

The economic problems he lists deserve an answer. Fuel shortages, unreliable electricity, foreign exchange pressures and the cost of living affect households and businesses every day.

The government must explain what it is doing and be judged by the results. Kabambe, as a former central bank governor, should also say what he would do differently, how he would pay for it and when Malawians could expect relief. He should not ride on the legacy of others when he was Governor.

An open letter can start a debate. It cannot substitute for evidence or an economic programme. Kabambe should put both before the country and not seek cheap popularlity by doctoring allegations when he himself was not so long ago a victim of political witchhunting.