Mutharika’s stepson Tadikila taunts former DPP Kayuni over prolonged absence from Malawi

President Peter Mutharika’s stepson, Tadikira Mafubza, has publicly urged former Director of Public Prosecutions Steve Kayuni to return to Malawi, in a pointed social media post that has drawn attention for its personal undertones.

Kayuni served as the country’s chief public prosecutor during the administration of former president Lazarus Chakwera, overseeing several high-profile cases that became politically contentious, including proceedings involving Mafubza himself.

Writing on social media, Mafubza addressed Kayuni directly: “Steven Kayuni eeeh eeeh basi bwelani, zija anthu amalemba zija zinatha, tonse tinakhululuka ine, Hon Chisale, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri tonse tinakhululuka nanga mpaka one year muli muliyenda.”

The message, roughly translated, tells Kayuni to simply come home, questioning why he has remained abroad for what Mafubza suggests has been around a year since a new DPP took office.

The post carries particular significance given the history between the two men. As DPP, Kayuni was associated with the prosecution of a murder case involving Mafubza, one of the most closely watched criminal proceedings in the country in recent years. Mafubza was ultimately acquitted.

His remarks also referenced Norman Chisale, a former presidential aide who was the subject of State proceedings during Kayuni’s tenure, including asset-preservation action, and in relation to whom Kayuni himself gave evidence as a witness.

Chisale has since been appointed Deputy Minister of Homeland Security (Operations) in the Mutharika administration.

Mafubza further invoked Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, whose extradition case from South Africa was also handled during Kayuni’s time as DPP. Bushiri has previously been critical of Kayuni and indicated he was considering legal action against the former prosecutor.

Mafubza’s use of the phrase “tonse tinakhululuka” — meaning “we have all forgiven” — links himself, Chisale and Bushiri together, suggesting that all three consider the legal battles of that period to be behind them.

The post comes against a changed political backdrop. Kayuni served as DPP under the previous MCP administration, while Mutharika returned to the presidency following the 2025 election.

Chisale, once a subject of State prosecutions, now serves within the current government.

It remains unclear whether Kayuni intends to respond to the post.