Mbeta Challenges PAC Summons Over Procedure
Published on March 19, 2026 at 10:30 AM by Edgar Naitha
Attorney General Frank Mbeta has asked the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to reschedule his appearance over short notice.
In a letter dated March 18, 2026, Mbeta said his office received a summons at noon to appear before the committee at 5:30 PM the same day.
He cited Standing Order 185(5), which requires that he be given seven days’ notice before appearing.
“The seven days will enable my Office to prepare on all legal issues that will have arisen through the Committee’s inquiry,” Mbeta wrote.
He also said he should be the last person to appear before the committee, which is probing the government’s controversial acquisition of the Amaryllis Hotel.
“Considering that I am the Principal Legal Adviser to Government… it is only proper that I should be the last person to appear before the Committee,” he said.
PAC chairperson Stephen Malondera earlier told members that Mbeta would not attend a scheduled session due to “other extremely urgent commitments,” and the committee is yet to announce a new date.
