Lawyer Kamangila Demands Answers From Chakwera on Mpinganjira Pardon Decision
Published on February 17, 2026 at 1:10 PM by Evance Kapito
Controversial Malawian lawyer Alexious Kamangila has publicly questioned the motives behind former president Lazarus Chakwera’s decision to grant a presidential pardon to business mogul Thom Mpinganjira.
Kamangila raised the concerns through a post on his official Facebook page, where he tagged the former Head of State and called on him to explain the reasons behind the clemency decision.
Dr. Mpinganjira was found guilty on September 10, 2021, in a high-profile corruption case and was later released on bail in 2022 while awaiting the determination of his appeal before the Supreme Court. However, the legal process took a dramatic turn after Chakwera exercised his constitutional powers under Section 89(2) of the Constitution to pardon him during Malawi’s 61st Independence Day celebrations.
The case stems from allegations that Dr. Mpinganjira attempted to bribe High Court judges presiding over the 2019 presidential election nullification petition. The complaint was originally lodged with the Anti-Corruption Bureau by former Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda, who reported attempts to influence the judges to rule in favour of then Democratic Progressive Party leader Peter Mutharika.
Kamangila’s remarks have reignited public debate, with many now calling for clarity on the circumstances that led to the presidential pardon.
