Police IG fate today
Acting Inspector General (IG) of Police George Kainja will either sink or swim today as Parliament is set to decide whether he should continue holding the position.
His confirmation will depend on whether members from the opposition bloc will nod to his appointment.
While stating that there could be some resistance from the opposition bloc, University of Malawi’s Chancellor College political analyst Mustafa Hussein in an interview yesterday expressed optimism that Kainja will pass the test.
He said: “When assessing him, we need to look at their experience and qualifications. I hope there will be less resistance, also considering that the person is less controversial. The opposition may raise some issues considering that the previous nomination which they made was not considered in the House.”
Unlike the case of former Police Acting IG Duncan Mwapasa, who worked for months without being confirmed after succeeding Rodney Jose, Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) chairperson Gift Trapence seemed to be giving full support to Kainja’s appointment, observing that the acting police chief has maintained a good track record.
He said: “HRDC is calling upon members of Parliament to confirm Dr George Kainja as Inspector General of Police. .”
He explained that Kainja has proved to be a professional leader because he arrested police officers suspected to have been responsible for the death of Buleya Lule in a police cell last year in connection to the missing of a boy with albinism in Dedza.
In a separate interview, Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda, who is also Minister for Homeland Security, said the House will confirm the new IG based on merit.
He says he does not expect members of the House to oppose the appointment without any good reason.
Said Chimwendo Banda: “We want a professional IG who can work to the expectations of Malawians. The House will be confirming his appointment tomorrow [today]. If there will be anybody to object the appointment, then let them have good reasons for that.”
Kainja has been working in acting capacity since President Lazarus Chakwera appointed him as police chief two months ago, replacing Mwapasa. He took take over from Mwapasa who had worked for close to a year without being confirmed.
