Sacked, then suing: Chihana demands K193bn from Blantyre Water Board

• Yeremia Chihana says the board’s decision was unjustified and procedurally flawed; the board says it followed due process

The former chief executive of Blantyre Water Board (BWB), Yeremia Chihana, is demanding K193 billion in compensation from the utility, claiming he was unfairly dismissed.

In a demand dated 8 October 2026, his lawyers, Gobz & Rechtswissenschaft, challenge the justification, procedural fairness and proportionality of his summary dismissal on 5 October.

The claim also seeks other employment entitlements that can be substantiated, and the costs of pursuing the case.

The lawyers say Mr Chihana will not seek reinstatement or re-engagement. He intends to pursue compensation and other lawful entitlements through the Industrial Relations Court.

BWB board chairperson Stanley Chirwa confirmed the board had received the demand but had not yet discussed it.

Chirwa called the claim “rather odd”, saying due process had been followed, “with full adherence to his contract, staff service regulations for Blantyre Water Board, the employment laws of Malawi as well as the rules of natural justice”.

The dismissal drew attention in part because of how quickly the board replaced him. Henry Bakuwa, a former Treasury finance director who later joined the Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority, was appointed in his place within days.

Newspapers have reported criticism of the recruitment process, and the board has defended the appointment. Mr Chirwa said that due process was followed.