Sister Wives’ Meri and Janelle Give Kody the Silent Treatment on Awkward Call

Kody Brown gets an icy reception from exes Meri Brown and Janelle Brown on Sister Wives while trying to make small talk on a joint Zoom call.

“Hey, guys, how’s it going?” Kody, 56, asks Meri, 54, and Janelle, 56, in Us Weekly’s exclusive sneak peek at the Sunday, November 2, episode of the TLC series.

After receiving a “good” from both of his ex-wives, Kody attempts to further break the ice by asking, “What’s going on? Anything exciting?”

There is an awkward silence from both women before they each shake their heads to signify nothing new has happened since they last discussed the sale of their family’s Coyote Pass property. (The trio, along with Robyn Brown, sold their land in Arizona in April after butting heads for years over the deal.)

Sister Wives Preview Meri and Janelle Give Kody the Silent Treatment During Awkward Zoom Call
Meri, Janelle, and Kody Brown. Discovery (3)

Kody then asks Meri specifically how her bed and breakfast is going, claiming it “looks different.” Meri remains short with her ex, replying, “It’s the same.”

As Meri and Kody share awkward glances, Janelle looks off to the side in her Zoom window, choosing not to engage. Kody, however, doesn’t give up and tries to pull something out of Janelle to no avail.

“All right, how’s it going, Janelle?” he asks, to which she responds, “Good. Everything’s good.”

A Breakdown of Where Kody Brown Stands With His Sister Wives, Exes

When Kody inquires about whether Janelle has “heard any good jokes lately,” she quips, “No. I live with children. They don’t tell very funny jokes.”

Kody counters, “I live with children and they tell funny jokes.” Janelle, however, doesn’t bite, responding, “Mine are younger,” seemingly referring to her grandchildren who are under the age of 10.

Meri, for her part, takes a big gulp from her straw before the awkward conversation comes to an end.

Sister Wives’ Janelle and Meri Joke Kody’s ‘Type’ Is ‘Submissive’ With Robyn

“I don’t know what happened with Meri because I remember helping her move to her place in Parowan, Utah, and he is all fun and games and cordial,” Kody tells the cameras after the uncomfortable exchange. “Since then to now, it’s [gotten] weird as … I can’t even say words about how weird it’s gotten.”

Meri, meanwhile, reveals in her own confessional that since moving away from Kody and his fourth wife, Robyn, 47, she had to “draw some really hard boundaries.”

She explains that Kody being “all friendly and trying to act like things are normal” after previously saying negative things about her and her friends didn’t sit well. “That’s not going to fly,” Meri adds.

‘Sister Wives’ Stars From Season 1 to Now: Kody Brown and His 4 Wives

When Sister Wives premiered in 2010, Kody was married to Meri, Janelle and Christine Brown and was courting Robyn. Robyn joined their plural family in 2010 before Kody legally divorced Meri and married Robyn in 2014. (At the time, Kody adopted Robyn’s three children from a prior marriage.)

Kody’s relationships with his first three wives fell apart in 2021 when Christine, 53, left him. Janelle confirmed in 2022 that she and Kody had separated and in 2023, Meri announced her own split from Kody. The patriarch is still married to Robyn.

Sister Wives airs on TLC Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.

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Did Prince William Secretly Meet With Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie?

Reports have been swirling that Prince William met with his cousins Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie regarding their father Prince Andrew’s decision to move out of Royal Lodge.

However, Us Weekly understands that the meeting never actually took place.

Journalist Emily Maitlis — who famously interviewed Andrew, 65, for the BBC’s Newsnight in 2019 — was first to bring up the alleged meeting during the Monday, October 27, episode of “The News Agents” podcast.

She speculated during the episode that William, 43, offered an alleged ultimatum to Beatrice, 37, and Eugenie, 35.

Will Princess Eugenie and Beatrice Lose Titles After Dad Andrew Gives Up His?

Maitlis, 55, claimed that William put “pressure” on his cousins.

“‘You guys have got to get your dad to move out of Royal Lodge, otherwise we will start reexamining the state of your own titles,’” she alleged that William told them. “Obviously, you can see why Andrew, as a father, would want to kind of keep his daughters happy and keep their titles in place, come what may.”

As the week has continued, several royal sources have offered multiple outlets more insight into what actually went down as the fallout from Andrew’s decision to give up his royal titles continues.

One royal source called reports of the meeting “nonsense” to Page Six earlier this week. “Anyone who knows William knows he is not that venomous and is fond of his cousins,” they added.

A second insider noted that William “cannot take anybody’s titles away” when addressing Maitlis’ claims.

Royal watchers have been anxiously awaiting a decision to be made about Andrew’s living arrangements as his connection to late convicted billionaire sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein continues to make headlines.

Andrew has been living rent-free in Royal Lodge for 22 years. While no decision has been made just yet, it’s been widely reported that Andrew is in talks to move out of the home.

Prince Andrew Is Reportedly in Talks to Move Out of Royal Lodge Amid Scandal

Earlier this month, Andrew announced that he would be giving up his royal titles amid the ongoing Epstein scandal.

“In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family,” Andrew said in a statement to Us Weekly on October 17. “I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life.”

He continued, “With His Majesty’s agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honors which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me.”

Andrew’s connection to Epstein first went public in 2019 when Virginia Giuffre alleged that she and the former Duke of York had a sexual encounter in 2001 when she was underage. He has continued to deny the accusations.

Giuffre sued Andrew for sexual abuse in 2021 and they settled out of court the following year. She died by suidice at age 41 this past April. Giuffre’s memoir, Nobody’s Girl, was published posthumously earlier this month and offered more allegations into her apparent interactions with Andrew and Epstein.

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NAP hopes dawn of new era for Malawi’s parliament

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has congratulated Sameer Suleman, Member of Parliament, on his election as Speaker of the National Assembly, describing his victory as a “defining moment in Malawi’s democratic evolution.”

The statement was jointly signed by NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe and National Coordinator Baxton Nkhoma, who both hailed the development as a milestone for Malawi’s parliamentary democracy.

In the statement released on Thursday, October 30, 2025, NAP said Suleman’s election on October 29 signifies the strength of parliamentary autonomy and the power of the secret ballot in shaping the leadership of Malawi’s legislative arm.

The platform emphasized that his triumph represents both political maturity and the collective will of the House to reassert Parliament’s central role in governance, accountability and nation-building.

“His victory marks a defining moment in Malawi’s democratic evolution a testament to the autonomy of Parliament and the enduring power of the secret ballot,” the statement reads.

“While his election was the product of keen political strategy and shifting alliances, it ultimately reflects the free will of the House,” Kondowe added in the statement added.

NAP highlighted Suleman’s long-standing courage and commitment to public service, recalling his tenure as Chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Food Security.

During that time, Suleman became known for speaking out on behalf of farmers and the hungry, even when it meant confronting the establishment.

“He stood firmly with Malawians in times of hunger, championed farmers whose livelihoods were under threat, and raised his voice when many chose silence,” NAP said.

According to NAP, Suleman’s leadership qualities characterized by firmness, fairness and humility will now be tested as he transitions from being a vocal legislator to a unifying Speaker.

The platform urged him to uphold Parliament’s dignity and independence, guiding the House with integrity and restraint.

The organization further called upon all Members of Parliament to put aside political differences and rally behind the new Speaker.

“The time for campaigning is over.Now is the time to govern, to serve, and to deliver. Malawi has only one Parliament and one nation we all call home.”NAP said

NAP emphasized that Suleman’s success as Speaker will not be judged by how well he serves the ruling party, but by how faithfully he upholds the authority and credibility of Parliament as a national institution.

The platform urged lawmakers to embrace unity, integrity and purpose, saying that by doing so, the current Parliament could become “a platform of renewal where oversight is strong, debate is principled and legislation reflects the will and welfare of the people.”

NAP expressed optimism that Suleman’s leadership could usher in a new era of democratic accountability and public trust.

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Exclusive Part1: How party loyalism, nepotism undermine government progress

…The Maravi Post’ Exclusive Investigation-Part 1…

As the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government under President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika takes the helm, it inherits a complex and troubling legacy left by the preceding Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration led by Lazarus Chakwera.

What initially appeared as routine transitions between governments has, upon closer scrutiny, revealed a systemic entrenchment of party loyalty, nepotism, and outright disregard for meritocracy within key ministries.

This investigative report exposes how the MCP’s cultivation of partisan “bad apples” in critical public relations roles across ministries threatens to sabotage the new government’s agenda and compromise national development.

The Maravi Post’s extensive investigations have uncovered a pattern of appointments made not on professional qualifications or competence but purely on party allegiance and family connections.

These strategically placed individuals, especially Public Relations Officers (PROs), serve as gatekeepers of information and wield significant influence over how government activities and policies are communicated to the public.

The presence of MCP loyalists in these roles under the DPP government poses major risks of conflict of interest and potential subversion of the government’s efforts to steer Malawi towards stability and progress.

A glaring example is in the Ministry of Health, where former Minister Khumbize Chaponda backed the appointment of Adrian Chikumbe, a staunch MCP supporter from Lilongwe Mitundu, as PRO though didn’t have professional communication skills.

Chikumbe replaced Joshua Malango, himself an MCP diehard who has since become an MCP legislator for Dedza.

This appointment was evidently driven by party loyalty rather than merit, undermining the professionalism expected in such a crucial ministry, especially one managing public health communications.

Similarly, in the Ministry of Mining, Tionge Kampondeni, sister-in-law to Sean Kampondeni—a prominent MCP figure and former Director of Communications at State House—is serving as the PRO.

Sean Kampondeni, who also held the roles of the President’s Executive Assistant and Speechwriter under Chakwera, was only removed from his Director of Communications position in March 2023, replaced by Kent Mphepo.

Despite this shift, Kampondeni remained influential within the presidency’s inner circle.

Tionge’s appointment appears to be another example of nepotistic placement within government structures, solidifying MCP’s hold on key communication channels.

The Ministry of Education also reflects this troubling trend. Christopher Kapachika, a secondary school teacher by profession and a long-serving member of the MCP media team, was appointed PRO despite lacking the requisite qualifications for the role.

His appointment was widely seen as a “token of appreciation” for his loyalty to the MCP rather than an endorsement of his capabilities.

Similarly, MCP’s Jessie Kabwira positioned Gift Chiponde, who rose from intern to PRO, reinforcing the party’s strategy of rewarding allegiance over aptitude.

This pattern of partisan appointments extends to the Ministry of Gender, where the public relations portfolio is held by Pauline Kaude from Lilongwe Chiwamba.

Kaude’s placement was reportedly influenced by Dr. Nether Semphere Mgala, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry and a known MCP supporter.

Both hail from Lilongwe chiwamba, the same village and traditional authority, highlighting how local allegiances and party ties continue to shape government appointments.

These revelations expose just the tip of the iceberg. Numerous other ministries remain plagued by similar rot, with MCP loyalists entrenched in roles critical to shaping public perception and controlling information flow.

Even more concerning is the DPP’s apparent hesitance or inability to remove these “bad apples.”

In some cases, PROs perceived as loyal to DPP were reassigned to other ministries where their influence would be minimal.

Our investigations reveal that officers perceived DPP sympathers often suffered under the oppressive hand of MCP.

Political and social commentator Mathews Namukhoyo weighed in on this precarious situation, stating in an exclusive interview that the DPP’s national agenda risks being derailed if it continues to tolerate the presence of partisan operatives within ministries.

“Those appointed based on party connections rather than competence cannot be trusted to serve the country’s interests without bias or sabotage,” Namukhoyo emphasized.

Human rights activist Robert Mkwezalamba echoed these concerns, urging the government to transcend party loyalties in appointments.

“The government must prioritize professionalism and integrity over partisan favoritism to ensure that ministries function effectively and serve all Malawians equally,” he stated.

From the perspective of ordinary citizens, Bettie Tsekani, a Blantyre resident, did not mince words in blaming the MCP under Chakwera for widespread nepotism and favoritism.

“It is no surprise that MCP fell from grace. The ruling party must conduct a thorough audit of all ministries to root out these entrenched networks of partisan patronage,” she demanded.

Attempts to seek comment from key MCP figures were unsuccessful.

Moses Kunkuyu did not respond to our calls, while Jessie Kabwira’s phone went unanswered despite repeated attempts.

Former Health Minister Khumbize Chaponda’s phone was unreachable at the time of this report.

The implications of these findings are profound.

Ministries are not merely administrative units; they are the lifeblood of government policies and public service delivery.

When communications officers are compromised by party allegiances, transparency is sacrificed, and public trust erodes.

The risk of misinformation, selective reporting, and even covert obstructionism rises sharply.

For the DPP government, the path forward requires decisive action. A rigorous, independent audit of all ministries and departments is essential to identify and remove those whose loyalty to party supersedes commitment to national service.

Transparent recruitment processes must be reinstated, with meritocracy as the guiding principle.

Without such reforms, the government’s ability to implement its agenda and deliver on promises to Malawians will remain severely undermined.

This investigative exposé underscores a critical challenge confronting Malawi’s governance: the corrosive effects of partisan patronage within public service.

The MCP’s legacy of embedding loyalists in key communication roles has left a toxic imprint that threatens to stymie the DPP’s vision for progress.

The time for introspection, accountability, and reform is now.

Only by uprooting the entrenched rot can Malawi hope to build a government that truly serves its people, free from the shackles of nepotism and political sabotage.

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Email: Jonesgadama@gmail.com

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Billie Eilish Calls Out Billionaires at WSJ Magazine’s Innovator Awards

Billie Eilish had no problem being the “bad guy” at Wednesday’s WSJ. Magazine Innovator Awards … calling on the billionaires who sat before her to give away their money! Check out the video — the musician boldly addressed the ultra-wealthy folks…

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7 Best Horror Movies of All Time, Ranked by IMDb Rating

Horror movies are always popular, but never more so than during the Halloween season.

And while there are a handful of modern classics like Get Out and It, many of the greatest horror flicks are older films.

To celebrate the scary season, Watch With Us has assembled the best horror movies of all time, as ranked by IMDb.

Note that films like The Silence of the Lambs and Seven are actually thrillers. and not horror flicks. That’s why you won’t find them below, unlike some other horror movie lists.

5 Best Horror Movies to Watch in October 2025, Ranked by IMDb Score

7. ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street’ (1984)

IMDb rank: 7.4

The 1980s horror movies belonged to the slashers, and none of those big-screen killers could match the impact of Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) in A Nightmare on Elm Street. Later movies in the franchise significantly watered down Freddy with a more humorous persona. But as envisioned by writer and director Wes Craven, Freddy was a merciless monster who could kill teenagers in their dreams.

Although Johnny Depp made his cinematic debut in this film as Glen Lantz, Glen’s girlfriend, Nancy Thompson (Heather Langenkamp), is the central figure. Nancy is forced to watch her friends fall prey to Freddy one by one as she attempts to stay awake and figure out why he’s so hellbent on tormenting her from beyond the grave.

A Nightmare on Elm Street is streaming on HBO Max.

6. ‘The Omen’ (1976)

IMDb rank: 7.5

Screen legend Gregory Peck elevated The Omen with his performance as Robert Thorn, the American ambassador to the United Kingdom. Years before his current posting, Robert and his wife, Katherine Thorn (Lee Remick), lost their child at birth, and he secretly agreed to adopt another woman’s baby.

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That was the grand mistake of Robert’s life, because his son, Damien (Harvey Spencer Stephens), is literally the Antichrist. Robert doesn’t want to hear the truth from Father Brennan (Patrick Troughton), but there are too many strange things happening around Damien to ignore. And if Robert can’t bring himself to stop his son, then the entire world may be lost.

The Omen is streaming on Tubi.

5. ‘Halloween’ (1978)

IMDb rank: 7.7

Halloween helped usher in the slasher flicks by introducing Michael Myers (Nick Castle), a silent killer whose face was largely hidden behind a white mask. This is one of director John Carpenter‘s best movies, and he even composed the iconic Halloween theme that’s been used in almost every film in the franchise.

In 1978, Michael escapes from the custody of Dr. Samuel Loomis (Donald Pleasence) and returns to his hometown to resume his murderous ways. Jamie Lee Curtis stars as Laurie Strode, the prototypical final girl who finds herself in danger from Michael. No matter where she goes or hides, Michael follows. And he simply will not stop coming, no matter what Laurie does to fight back.

Halloween is streaming on Plex.

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4. ‘Night of the Living Dead’ (1968)

IMDb rank: 7.8

Contrary to popular belief, George A. Romero didn’t create zombies. However, his 1968 film, Night of the Living Dead, shaped the undead monsters in the public’s imagination for decades to come. Romero went on to direct other zombie-related flicks, but this is the one that made his name in cinema.

As the dead inexplicably begin to rise and attack the living, a woman named Barbara (Judith O’Dea) retreats to a farmhouse, where Ben (Duane Jones) and other survivors are also hiding. Casting a Black actor as the hero in a horror film hadn’t been done before this film, but Jones made his mark here. Ben doesn’t just have to fight off the zombies — he also has to face the racism of Harry Cooper (Karl Hardman), one of the other survivors.

Night of the Living Dead is streaming on Netflix.

3. ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ (1968)

IMDb rank: 8.0

Aside from Chinatown, Rosemary’s Baby may be the best film ever directed by Roman Polanski. The story follows Rosemary (Mia Farrow), the wife of a theatrical actor, Guy Woodhouse (John Cassavetes). After moving into an exclusive building, Rosemary and Guy are befriended by the owners, Roman (Sidney Blackmer) and Minnie Castevet (Ruth Gordon).

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Over time, Rosemary realizes that something is very wrong about their neighbors and their unusual interest in her unborn child. Her instincts are correct, but even Rosemary couldn’t have predicted what the Castevets really want her child for, or what her husband is willing to do to help them achieve their satanic goal.

Rosemary’s Baby is streaming on Paramount+.

2. ‘The Exorcist’ (1973)

IMDb rank: 8.1

For many fans, The Exorcist is the greatest horror movie of all time. The film’s IMDb ranking may not reflect that, but this could easily be the No. 1 film on any horror list. Director William Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty deserve their share of the credit for the movie’s reception, but young actress Linda Blair is the primary reason why it’s a classic. Her performance as the possessed 12-year-old girl, Regan MacNeil, is terrifying.

Regan’s possession slowly builds, much to the alarm of her mother, Chris MacNeil (Ellen Burstyn). Once the demon has a hold of Regan’s body, it refuses to relinquish control, and its profanity-laden speeches were very shocking for audiences in 1973 — and even today. Father Lankester Merrin (Max von Sydow) and Father Damien Karras (Jason Miller) are forced to attempt an exorcism to save Regan’s life and her soul, but even their combined efforts may not be enough.

The Exorcist is streaming on HBO Max.

The 15 Best Horror Movies of All Time to Watch This Halloween

1. The Shining (1980)

IMDb rank: 8.4

“All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” It also makes Jack Torrance (Jack Nicholson) mad as a hatter in The Shining. Stephen King wasn’t a fan of the deviations that director Stanley Kubrick made from his novel, but the results speak for themselves. Over four decades after its release, The Shining is a horror masterpiece that few films can challenge.

Jack was always a little crazy, even before he packed up his wife, Wendy (Shelley Duvall), and their son, Danny (Danny Lloyd), to watch over the Overlook Hotel during its off-season. However, the ghosts in the Overlook are very real, and they successfully drive Jack into a homicidal rage. Danny is also tormented by the spirits, thanks to his emerging psychic powers. But he has more to worry about from his own father than any of the ghosts he encounters.

The Shining is streaming on HBO Max.

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Hollywood Producer David Brian Pearce Sentenced to 146 Years Over Murders

Hollywood film producer David Brian Pearce was sentenced to 146 years to life in prison on Wednesday, October 29, over the fentanyl-induced murders of two women.

Pearce, 43, was found guilty in February on two counts of first-degree murder over the deaths of model Christy Giles and Hilda Marcela Cabrales-Arzola. Pearce was also convicted of multiple sexual assaults on other women, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in a press release Wednesday.

On Wednesday, Pearce was ordered to nearly 150 years in state prison. He will also have to register as a lifetime sex offender.

“This sentence delivers long-awaited justice for Ms. Cabrales-Arzola, Ms. Giles and the courageous sexual assault victims who came forward and testified,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said in a statement. “Not only were the victims sexually assaulted, but the lives of Ms. Cabrales-Arzola and Ms. Giles were stolen in one of the most devasting ways — a fentanyl-induced sexual assault by Pearce. I would like to thank Deputy District Attorneys Catherine Mariano and Seth Carmack and all those who assisted in this prosecution within the Sex Crimes Division and the Los Angeles Police Department, whose tireless dedication made this outcome possible.”

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“This case is a stark reminder of the devastation caused by fentanyl. Fentanyl poisoners who harm and exploit others will be held accountable,” Hochman continued. “Every prosecution and sentence like this one moves us a step closer to deterring criminals from committing these crimes and protecting others from a similar fate.”

At trial, a jury found Pearce guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, three counts of forcible rape, two counts of sexual penetration by force, one count of sodomy by use of force and one count of rape of an unconscious woman, per the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors said that Pearce met Giles and Cabrales-Arzola at a warehouse party in Los Angeles in November 2021. He later took them back to his Beverly Hills apartment, where he provided them GHB and fentanyl, “causing Giles and Cabrales-Arzola to fatally overdose,” per a press release.

The following day, Pearce dropped the victims off at two different hospitals. Giles, who was 24, was already dead. Cabrales-Arzola, 26, was resuscitated but died 11 days later, prosecutors said.

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In a statement to Entertainment Weekly on Wednesday, Pearce’s attorney Ronda Dixon said it was “never proven” that her client provided the two women the drugs that killed them.

“My heart goes out to their families, as it is difficult to lose a loved one to a fentanyl overdose. However, the message the DA sent out today is chilling to good Samaritans who seek to help someone who is an overdose victim. Certainly, people will think twice before taking anyone to the hospital who they think is a victim of overdose,” Dixon said.

A codefendant in the case, Brant Osborn, was charged with two counts of accessory to murder after the fact. In February, a judge declared a mistrial after a jury failed to reach a unanimous decision on the charges. A new trial is expected to begin next month.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

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Can You Guess The Sexy Star Sippin’ Wine … Thirsty Thursday!

It’s Thirsty Thursday indeed, and we’ve got a lil’ bevvy for you to sip on, but first things first: Can you guess which Hollywood hottie put her smokin’ bod on full display in this hot shot?! Her YouTube is poppin’ off with 2.3 million followers –…

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Malawi Law Society chides Mutharika for appointing suspected “Rotten eggs” into public service

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has raised serious concerns over President Peter Mutharika’s appointment of some individuals into high-ranking public offices before they have been cleared of allegations of corruption and other criminal activities.

In a public statement issued on October 29, 2025, the Society warned that such appointments pose a threat to public confidence in the Government’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and combat corruption.

The statement was part of a broader reflection on public expectations following the September 2025 general elections.

According to the MLS, while it recognizes the legal principle that every person is presumed innocent until proven guilty, this presumption should not be used as a shield to justify questionable appointments.

The Society emphasized that leadership positions must be entrusted only to individuals with unquestionable integrity and a clean record.

“Such appointments risk undermining public confidence in the Government’s commitment to the rule of law and its declared stance against corruption,” the Society said, urging authorities to adopt a cautious and principled approach when filling key public roles.

The MLS further stated that the credibility of any administration is reflected in the people it entrusts with public responsibility.

By appointing individuals facing corruption allegations, the government risks sending mixed signals about its seriousness in fighting graft and promoting accountability.

It noted that Malawi continues to struggle with deep-rooted corruption in the public sector, and careless decisions in leadership appointments could weaken the progress made toward integrity and transparency. The Society therefore encouraged the administration to use appointments as an opportunity to rebuild trust between citizens and the government.

The statement also highlighted that anti-corruption efforts require a united and uncompromising front, where no individual or political ally is seen as being above scrutiny.

MLS said this approach will not only strengthen public confidence but also demonstrate the government’s genuine commitment to good governance.

Furthermore, the Society appealed to relevant oversight institutions, including the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Office of the Ombudsman, to remain vigilant and proactive in scrutinizing public appointments and ensuring that merit, not political loyalty, guides decision-making.

The MLS called on all Malawians to demand accountability and uphold integrity in public life, stressing that corruption weakens institutions, deters investment and undermines national development. It said every citizen has a duty to support transparency and ethical leadership.

In conclusion, the Malawi Law Society reiterated its call for a “true zero tolerance attitude” toward corruption, urging the government to ensure that appointments into public office reflect honesty, professionalism and respect for the rule of law.

The Society maintained that lasting reform will only be achieved if the fight against corruption starts from the top.

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Catherine Gotani Hara’s fear of facing the music: A lesson in accountability

The ascension of Sameer Suleman and Victor Musowa to the positions of Speaker and First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, respectively, has sent ripples through the corridors of power in Malawi.

One notable figure who appears to be losing sleep over this development is none other than former Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara.

According to sources close to the matter, Hara is said to be wary of the new leadership, fearing that she will be held accountable for her actions during her tenure as Speaker.

It’s no secret that Hara’s tenure was marked by controversy and allegations of bias.

Her propensity for suspending opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) without valid reasons sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing her of undermining the democratic process.

The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was particularly vocal about her perceived bias, alleging that she was more interested in serving the interests of the then-ruling party than in upholding the rules of Parliament.

Given her track record, it’s hardly surprising that Hara would be anxious about the new leadership.

Sameer Suleman, the new Speaker, has already put the cat among the pigeons with his assertion that “let bygones be bygones.” While this might be seen as a gesture of goodwill, it’s clear that Hara is not convinced.

She’s reportedly fearful that she will face the music for her actions, and rightly so.

In an interview with this reporter, Suleman emphasized his commitment to professionalism and fairness in the discharge of his duties.

“We will serve the MPs with professionalism guided by house rules and standing orders, not personal wishes,” he said.

Victor Musowa echoed these sentiments, stating that they have no plans to punish Hara but will instead focus on executing their duties with utmost diligence.

This commitment to professionalism is precisely what Malawi’s Parliament needs. For too long, the House has been plagued by partisan bickering and accusations of bias.

The new leadership has a golden opportunity to restore the dignity of the institution and ensure that it serves the people of Malawi, rather than the interests of a particular party or individual.

It’s worth noting that Hara’s fears are not entirely unfounded. During her tenure, she consistently demonstrated a disregard for the rules and conventions of Parliament.

Her actions were often seen as arbitrary and capricious, and her treatment of opposition MPs was particularly harsh.

It’s hard to imagine that she would be concerned about facing accountability for her actions when she’s been given a free pass for so long.

In light of this, it’s commendable that Suleman and Musowa are taking a different approach.

By committing to professionalism and fairness, they’re sending a strong signal that things will be done differently under their watch.

This is a welcome development, and one that should be applauded by all those who believe in the importance of accountability and transparency in government.

As the new leadership settles into their roles, it’s essential that they remain committed to their stated principles.

The people of Malawi are watching, and they expect nothing but the best from their elected representatives.

The days of partisan bickering and bias should be behind us. It’s time for a new era of professionalism and accountability in Parliament.

Catherine Gotani Hara would do well to take a leaf from the new leadership’s book.

Rather than fearing accountability, she should take this opportunity to reflect on her actions and ensure that she never again conducts herself in a manner that undermines the integrity of Parliament.

The people of Malawi deserve better, and it’s time that their elected representatives started acting like it.

The ascension of Sameer Suleman and Victor Musowa to the leadership of the National Assembly is a welcome development.

Their commitment to professionalism and fairness is a breath of fresh air, and it’s something that should be commended.

As they settle into their roles, it’s essential that they remain true to their word and ensure that Parliament serves the people of Malawi, rather than the interests of a particular party or individual.

The days of partisan bickering and bias should be behind us, and it’s time for a new era of accountability and transparency in government.

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