By Ebi Kesiena
A senior opposition leader in Malawi, Patricia Kaliati, has been charged with plotting to assassinate President Lazarus Chakwera.
Kaliati, who is the Secretary-General of the UTM party, was arrested recently on allegations of “conspiring with others to commit a serious offence.”
The 57-year-old politician appeared in a Lilongwe court on Tuesday but remained silent as her lawyer proclaimed her innocence. The case has drawn significant media attention, with opposition leaders denouncing the charges as politically motivated.
Supporters of the UTM party gathered outside the court, singing anti-government songs ahead of the hearing. Inside, the court was told that Kaliati’s alleged co-conspirators are on the run. Despite the state prosecutor’s appeal for further detention, the magistrate granted Kaliati bail, pending further investigation.
Police insist that all actions taken are within the law and that Kaliati’s rights will be respected throughout the proceedings.
Heritage Times HT recalls that this development comes after a period of political upheaval for the UTM. The party was part of the ruling coalition until June when its leader and Vice-President, Saulos Chilima, tragically died in a military aircraft crash. Since then, Kaliati has emerged as a potential replacement for Chilima, with ambitions to challenge Chakwera in next year’s presidential election.
Kaliati, known for her bold and direct approach, entered politics after a career as a primary school teacher. Her arrest adds tension to the already charged political atmosphere in Malawi, as the nation heads toward a critical election season.
