Patricia Kaliati, a prominent opposition politician in Malawi, has been arrested on suspicion of plotting to assassinate President Lazarus Chakwera. On October 28, 2024, Kaliati appeared in court in the capital, Lilongwe, to begin trial proceedings on the charges against her.
Various opposition politicians have claimed that the accusations against Patricia Kaliati are politically motivated. According to the French news agency AFP, before the trial began, supporters of the UTM party gathered outside the court, singing songs of protest against the government.
The court accused her of conspiring with two other individuals to assassinate the President of Malawi. These two accomplices remain at large and are being sought by security forces following her arrest.
The presiding judge stated that if Kaliati pays bail, she could be released temporarily, though the state prosecutor requested that she be detained for another week.
Kaliati, who was previously a primary school teacher before entering politics, is known by those close to her as a straightforward and outspoken individual. She took over leadership of the UTM party after the death of Saulos Chilima, the former Vice President, who died in a military plane crash in northern Malawi. With this position, Kaliati aimed to challenge President Chakwera in the presidential election scheduled for next year.
BY KAYITESI Ange
