Chaos Erupts at Kamuzu Day Commemorations as Police Fire Tear Gas at MCP Supporters
Published on May 15, 2026 at 10:25 AM by Evance Kapito
Tension erupted in Lilongwe yesterday during Kamuzu Day commemorations after police fired tear gas to stop supporters of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) from laying wreaths at the mausoleum of Malawi’s founding president, Hastings Kamuzu Banda.
The clashes followed growing divisions over this year’s commemorations, with the MCP organising a separate event and accusing government of sidelining former president Lazarus Chakwera.
Kamuzu Day, observed every May 14, is a national public holiday commemorating the country’s founding leader. Traditionally, the sitting Head of State attends the official memorial service, but this year President Peter Mutharika delegated Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Alfred Gangata to represent him.
Police mounted roadblocks near the Civic Offices and close to the Bingu International Convention Centre ahead of Chakwera’s expected visit to the Kamuzu Mausoleum after attending an MCP function at the party headquarters.
During the MCP event, party secretary general Richard Chimwendo Banda said the party boycotted the government ceremony after allegedly being told supporters should not wear Kamuzu attire and that Chakwera should not attend.
As MCP supporters attempted to proceed to the mausoleum, police dispersed some of them with tear gas, triggering scenes of chaos in the capital.
Government spokesperson Shadrick Namalomba defended the police action, saying MCP supporters had not obtained permission from either police or the Lilongwe City Council to conduct the wreath-laying ceremony.
“They did not follow the law, therefore the activity was not authorised,” Namalomba said.
Meanwhile, Atupele Muluzi, leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF), criticised the incident, saying Kamuzu Day should promote unity regardless of political affiliation, religion or tribe.
Muluzi said all current and former leaders deserve dignity and respect, condemning the use of tear gas against Chakwera and MCP supporters.
On the other hand, Dalitso Kabambe, president of the United Transformation Movement (UTM), urged political leaders to respect non-partisan state protocols during national commemorations, warning that politicising memorial events risks deepening divisions in the country.
