Three Years Later, ACB Still Silent on Shyley Kondowe and Adamson Mkandawire Cash Scandal

Nearly three years after the Forum for National Development (FND) demanded an investigation into suspected financial crimes involving Shyley Kondowe and Adamson Mkandawire, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has yet to take any visible action—sparking growing concerns over selective justice and political protection.

In its letter dated October 6, 2022, FND urged the ACB, Malawi Police, and the Financial Intelligence Authority (FIA) to probe the two Presidential Advisors after images surfaced online showing the pair allegedly posing with large stacks of US dollars.

“These are public officers, and such unexplained possession of foreign currency raises serious red flags,” wrote FND National Coordinator Fryson Chodzi. “Their actions could potentially violate several laws, including the Financial Crimes Act, Money Laundering Act, Exchange Control Act, and the Corrupt Practices Act.”

FND called for an immediate lifestyle audit, demanding Kondowe and Mkandawire disclose the source and purpose of the money, and produce bank receipts to prove its legitimacy—especially amid Malawi’s ongoing forex crisis.

But now, in July 2025, no investigation has been launched, and the ACB remains silent on the matter.

“This silence is loud,” says Chodzi. “It suggests that those close to power are shielded from accountability, and that undermines the rule of law.”

FND warns that the failure to act fuels public mistrust and sends the wrong message about the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.

“You can’t preach anti-corruption while ignoring clear signs of financial misconduct at the heart of government,” Chodzi said.

The letter, also copied to the Inspector General of Police and FIA, remains unanswered—just like the public’s demand for justice.

 

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