Government Blames MCP for Kamuzu Day Clashes

The Government of Malawi has defended the actions of the Malawi Police Service following chaos that erupted during Kamuzu Day commemorations in Lilongwe on May 14, 2026.

In a press release signed by Minister of Information and Communications Technology and Government Spokesperson Shadric Namalomba, government said police lawfully stopped what it described as an “unsanctioned march” by supporters of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) to the Kamuzu Mausoleum.

Government stressed that the official Kamuzu Day event was not organised by the state, but by Ken Kandodo and the Kamuzu family, with President Peter Mutharika invited only as guest of honour.

According to the statement, Mutharika delegated Minister of Culture Alfred Gangata to represent government after failing to attend in person.

The statement further denied allegations that government sidelined former president Lazarus Chakwera and the MCP, saying the decision allegedly came from the organisers and not government.

Government also said the official ceremony was open to all Malawians, with the only restriction being the wearing of political regalia in order to preserve the event’s non-partisan nature.

However, authorities accused the MCP of organising a parallel procession to the mausoleum without notifying police or obtaining clearance from the Lilongwe City Council.

“Faced with an unlawful assembly, the Police acted with professionalism and restraint. No one, including any political party, is exempt from the law,” reads part of the statement.

Government added that the events could have been avoided had MCP leadership complied with legal procedures governing public gatherings.