Kudos ACB, but…
News of the arrest of former Energy minister Newton Kambala, presidential aide Chris Chaima Banda and Aford President Enoch Chihana must have excited many upright Malawians—those that wish this country well.
I know it might be too early to congratulate the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), but it must be said that if it were not for ACB’s thorough investigations, the three suspects would still be enjoying their lives, probably thinking they are untouchables. If ACB continues to bring to book all those who break the law regardless of their social, economic and political standing, this country can be rescued from the jaws of greedy and corrupt individuals who for long have been stealing from hard-working Malawians’ taxes. One can only hope that ACB has now grown teeth strong enough to bite without fear or favour.
Since the arrest of the three, there have been varying and sometimes quite melodramatic narratives that have come out. There are some, for lack of a better word, small-minded Malawians who think the arrest of the three is pure witch-hunting. They have tried so hard to justify their narratives by pointing out the political party affiliations of the suspects. They may have a point, but it is a weak one.
They say the law is blind. Those found with wrong-doing must face the law regardless of their social or political standing. If one is to buy the argument that suspects have been arrested because they belong to other political parties, well, what was your expectation? They should have been let scot-free even if they were found to be on the wrong side of the law?
This country is founded on the rule of law, hence; it is imperative that not just institutions such as ACB should uphold the law, but every Malawian citizen must abide by the law. Anyone found on the wrong side of the law, must be prosecuted.
Throwing the political witch-hunting card into this case makes no sense. If the UTM Party is harbouring corrupt people, let them be arrested. If Malawi Congress Party has corrupt individuals among its rank and file, let them face the law. It is the only way to clear the much-touted rubble.
On the flip side, while many are excited that ACB is biting, we are also reminded of the many other arrests that are yet to be concluded.
ACB as well the courts must prove Malawians wrong that they do not just arrest and fail to conclusively prosecute the cases. Malawians want to see the corrupt behind bars. It is the only way to restore confidence in ACB. So, while I say kudos to ACB, I want to see the cases prosecuted to their logical conclusion.
