Breaking News: Richard Chimwendo Banda Walks Out of Maula Prison
Published on January 14, 2026 at 3:56 PM by Evance Kapito
The High Court in Lilongwe has ordered the immediate release of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Secretary General Richard Chimwendo Banda, ending a high-stakes legal standoff that has gripped the nation for over a month. In a scathing ruling delivered today, January 14, 2026, Justice Kenyatta Nyirenda declared Chimwendo’s continued detention at Maula Prison “unlawful and unconstitutional.”
The ruling follows a judicial review application filed by Chimwendo’s lead counsel, George Jivason Kadzipatike. The defense argued that the State had violated the mandatory 30-day remand period allowed under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Code. Chimwendo, who was arrested in December 2025 on charges of attempted murder dating back to 2021, had been held in custody while his legal team fought for his freedom.
Justice Nyirenda’s order provides significant legal protections for the MCP Secretary General. The court ordered his immediate and unconditional release, effective today, noting that holding Chimwendo beyond the statutory limit was a violation of his fundamental right to personal liberty and due process of law. Furthermore, the Judge ruled that any future criminal proceedings against Chimwendo, whether related to this or any other case, must be commenced via summons only, rather than arrest and detention.
While Chimwendo Banda has regained his freedom, the legal battle is not over. The High Court has scheduled an inter-party hearing for January 23, 2026, to further determine the merits of the judicial review. Lawyer George Kadzipatike confirmed his client is out of Maula Prison, stating that they are pleased the court has upheld the constitutional rights of his client after the statutory remand period expired.
