Principal State Advocate Steven Kayuni is, subject to Parliament’s approval, set to replace Mary Kachale as Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in a major shake-up of the prosecution directorate.
Kachale, who has served as DPP for six years, said in an interview yesterday that she has since reported at her new duty station, the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) in the role of Principal Secretary.
She said: “I confirm that it is true [that I have been moved to the OPC]. All I will say for now is that I consider it as a privilege to have served Malawians in that position for over six years because I was now going into my seventh year. So, it’s a rare privilege.
“I am a Christian and I happen to have a favourite verse which is Philippians 4:13 which says ‘I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength’ and that is my motto.
“That’s how I handled my files. I am a prosecutor of international standard and even Malawi we have our own standards, so at all times, I resorted to follow the ethical standards of prosecutors in my work.”
Kachal e said she reported at OPC yesterday morning, but returned to the Ministry of Justice in the afternoon for handover of work.
During her tenure, Kachale handled several high-profile criminal cases but the Cashgate-related case in which she had a verbal war with former minister of Justice and
Attorney General Ralph Kasambara, stands out. She secured the conviction of Kasambara and two others.
Her successor, Kayuni, refused to comment on his new appointment, saying he was awaiting confirmation by Parliament’s Public Appointments Committee.
Kayuni has r i sen through the ranks in the Ministry of Justice and holds a doctorate in international criminal justice (2013-2016), among others from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. He also holds a master of laws (LLM) international criminal law (2009-2010) from the same university and a bachelor of laws from the University of Malawi obtained in 2005.
In his role as principal chief State advocate, Kayuni represented the State in most recent criminal cases.
Meanwhile, L egal Affairs Committee of Parliament chairperson Yusuf Nthenda has hailed the long career of Kachale, describing her as a fearless fighter in dealing with criminal issues.
He said: “My own assessment is that she has been outstanding in her work. She has done a very commendable job, handling all her cases with professionalism and with integrity.
“I haven’t seen her being compromised with being influenced by politicians because most of her cases she handled were political in nature and politicians were involved in some of the cases she handled. I rate her so highly that she is a real professional.”
Nthenda urged Kayuni to work hard and ensure that he is not manipulated by politicians
