Patricia Kaliati, Secretary-General of the opposition UTM party, has been charged with plotting to assassinate President Lazarus Chakwera. Kaliati, 57, was arrested last week on allegations of conspiring with others to carry out a “serious offence.”
During her court appearance on Monday in Lilongwe, Kaliati remained silent, but her lawyer insisted she denied all allegations, maintaining her innocence. Few details have been provided regarding the alleged plot, fueling speculation from opposition leaders who claim the charges are politically motivated.
Supporters of the UTM party gathered outside the court, chanting anti-government slogans, according to AFP reports. Inside the courtroom, state prosecutors revealed that two alleged accomplices in the plot are currently at large.
The magistrate granted Kaliati bail, rejecting a request by the prosecution to detain her for another week while investigations continue. Authorities have assured that Kaliati’s legal rights will be respected throughout the process.
The UTM party, formerly part of the ruling coalition, exited the government in June following the death of its leader and then-Vice President Saulos Chilima. Chilima, 51, died in a military plane crash in northern Malawi, leaving a leadership void within the party.
Kaliati, a former primary school teacher known for her outspoken demeanor, has positioned herself as a contender to succeed Chilima as UTM leader. She is expected to challenge President Chakwera in next year’s presidential elections, potentially escalating political tensions.
Malawi’s political climate remains fragile as the opposition questions the government’s motives in Kaliati’s arrest, viewing it as an attempt to stifle dissent ahead of the 2025 elections.
