Police in Malawi have openly cautioned religious leaders against predicting the outcome of the country’s upcoming general election. The warning comes as political tensions grow ahead of the September 16 polls.
At a prayer gathering held at the Central East Region Police Headquarters in Kasungu, police officers used the event to deliver a direct message to faith leaders.
Reverend Superintendent Martin Mwanyongo from the National Police Headquarters warned that declaring election winners from the pulpit was creating division.
“When you prophesy about election results, you create problems for us. It’s a recipe for chaos,” he said.
Mwanyongo urged pastors to use their positions to promote peace and unity instead of stirring controversy in the name of divine revelation.
Tensions Rise Over Religious Interference
The event, which was organised under the theme of national peace, also became a platform for police officers to speak up about the media’s role in shaping public opinion.
Mwanyongo criticised local journalists for portraying the police as opponents of democracy. “We are not villains. We are doing a lot of good work, and we urge journalists to highlight that,” he said.
The statement referred to past reports accusing the police of failing to act during violent attacks at political gatherings.
While the media has continued to cover the rising number of political clashes, authorities argue that some reporting lacks balance and fuels public distrust in law enforcement.
Deputy Director of Spirituals in the Malawi Police Service, Reverend Julius Siwinda, supported Mwanyongo’s call. He told church leaders to avoid reckless sermons and advised officers to strengthen unity within their ranks.
“Let us be united as officers. But more importantly, let us work with faith leaders who build peace—not those who ignite fire in the name of divine revelation,” he said.
Apostle Isaac Vilimunthazi Nkhoma of the Assemblies of God also lent his voice to the conversation. He said spiritual leaders must be careful with their words during such a sensitive period.
“We can lead by example. Peaceful elections start with responsible speech,” he added, calling on pastors to stay true to their spiritual purpose and resist using the pulpit as a political platform.
Faith in Peace vs. Faith in Prophecy
As Malawi enters what many describe as its most tense election in recent years, police are increasing their calls for calm. Commissioner Rhoda Manjolo of the Central East Police Region said that officers believe in divine support but also rely on public cooperation.
“We’re God-fearing officers. We believe in divine protection, but we also need human cooperation. Peace starts with love and tolerance,” she told attendees.
Despite the calls for restraint, some critics argue that police should focus more on addressing physical violence at political rallies. Many believe arresting known violent offenders would do more to protect voters than restricting church sermons.
The ongoing debate raises questions about freedom of speech and worship in Malawi. Should religious leaders be allowed to share visions or prophecies about national events? Or does this fall under incitement that can increase unrest?
As political parties prepare for the coming election, and religious voices grow louder, it remains uncertain how far the government is willing to go in regulating the pulpit. What is clear is that both politicians and preachers have a role to play in keeping the peace.
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