By Draxon Maloya

Lilongwe, Malawi: (Malawi Moto) 27.09.2025; A serious national conversation has erupted following the departure of Counsel Thabo Chakaka Nyirenda, SC, from the office of the country’s Attorney General (AG).

Despite his redeployment to the Office of the President, Nyirenda continues to receive regional and international recognition for his contributions to constitutionalism and governance.

His legal acumen has earned him a place as a distinguished discussant at the upcoming Attorney Generals’ Forum during the 30th East Africa Law Society (EALS) Annual Conference and General Meeting, scheduled for November 26–29, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The development has sparked public debate, with political and socio-economic analyst Tiyane Nyirenda expressing discontent over the decision to remove Nyirenda from office. He argued that the former AG’s legal expertise had thwarted attempts by corrupt cartels to siphon public funds.

“Nyirenda played a pivotal role in the recent mining court case that could have cost the country a fortune,” said Tiyane Nyirenda. “He also worked tirelessly to ensure that business mogul Zuneth Sattar was brought back to Malawi to face multiple corruption charges.”

He warned against politicizing public appointments, stating: 
 “We have to stop our tendency as a country of throwing away the baby with the bathwater. Politics, if not handled carefully, can degrade our governance into witch-hunting. Every time we hear an unfounded rumor or statement based on personal malice, we make it national policy and law, or use state machinery to exact personal vendettas.”

 “We are moving towards a dictatorship. There is no rule of law if we do not consider merit and the legal frameworks that govern public appointments and dismissals. Friendship, alliance, and enmity don’t deliver results in public service.” Nyirenda cautioned.

The social gist was quick to clarify that his criticism was not an attack on the new appointees: 
”This is not to undermine the new appointments. They will be vindicated by their work and the results they produce,” he added.

Echoing similar sentiments, Civil Society Organization leader Mervin Nxumayo criticized the rationale behind Nyirenda’s removal, describing it as an example of ad hominem reasoning.

“Dismissing someone based on personality in a role that demands technical expertise is flawed logic,” Nxumayo said. “We all don’t like smoking drivers, but it’s their skill set that drives—not the cigarettes.”

He also warned of broader implications: 
 “This could lead to increased brain drain and a decline in our competitiveness in governance and trade. We saw the Malawi national team lose because the coach had personal issues with Gabadinho, and the whole country paid the price. We must prioritize merit.”

Although the former Chakaka~Nyirenda could not be reached for comment, a letter seen by this publication from the East Africa Law Society confirming his selection as a discussant at the Addis Ababa forum, cited his “notable contributions to constitutionalism, governance reforms, and above all his experience as Malawi’s Attorney General.”

The high-level policy dialogue, themed “Bridging the Gap: Why Implementation Fails and What Can Be Done Differently,” will bring together current and former Attorney Generals, Ministers of Justice, and senior legal officers from across Africa.