Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Member of Parliament for Mulanje South East, Naomi Kilekwa Phiri, is facing serious questions over her involvement in a botched theft of bridge construction materials in her own constituency.
Some community members believe the incident was a calculated move to discredit the current MCP-led government’s developmental work. The MCP administration has lined up several projects including construction of bridges in the constituency and materials are being mobilized for the works.
The DPP is currently facing pressure from the MCP which is making inroads in Mulanje district and other districts in the Lhomwe belt while MP Phiri is also facing intensive pressure from shadow MPs Booker Matevu and Tiyamike Goliyati.
Recently, Phiri orchestrated release of a results of a fake survey allegedly done in the constituency showing her winning the September elections. The survey was said to have been done by a non-existing
In an attempt to discredit government and gain political mirage, Phiri is said to have orchestrated the theft of the materials that were meant for construction of a new bridge in the area.
On June 1, 2025, four men — Peter Mangombo (29), Jimmy Yoana (24), Smart Jeseman (22), and Bright Lumbe (26) — were arrested for stealing the metal bars meant for the bridge construction.
According to Mulanje Police spokesperson Innocent Moses, the suspects were intercepted in a vehicle — registration number MJ 10590 — after a tip-off from Village Headman Namunda. MP Naomi Phiri reportedly received a call and then alerted community policing members who arrested the suspects.
But what initially appeared to be an act of vigilance on the part of the MP is now drawing deep suspicion and scrutiny.
Credible sources within Mulanje have alleged that the suspects were in fact sent by MP Phiri herself. The plan, according to these reports, was aimed at maintaining and promoting false narrative that the MCP government has done nothing tangible in the area.
One source familiar with the case explained: “This was never about protecting community resources. The plan was to make it look like government is failing to bring tangible projects in the constituency. This was an attempt to stage-manage a theft for political capital.”
Ironically, this isn’t the first time Naomi Phiri’s name has been linked to theft of government resources and provisions.
Recently, independent parliamentary aspirant Tiyamike Goliyati accused her of stealing and diverting government maize that was meant for relief in the constituency. Although the allegations were strongly denied by Phiri — who has vowed to pursue legal action — it adds to a growing pattern of accusations that suggest all is not well behind her polished public image.
Goliyati, who is challenging Phiri for the seat in 2025, had also accused her of using someone else’s academic credentials, and of manipulating DPP primary processes through violence — claims Phiri dismissed as defamatory and politically motivated.
However, the repeated surfacing of such serious accusations has led constituents to echo a common proverb: “There is no smoke without fire.”
While some, especially within DPP circles, are rushing to defend Phiri and dismiss the allegations as part of a political smear campaign ahead of the 2025 elections, growing public disillusionment suggests a deeper problem within the DPP’s leadership in Mulanje South East.
Critics argue that Phiri’s actions reflect a broader culture of sabotage within the former ruling party, where projects initiated by the MCP government are undermined to create a false sense of neglect.
Such tactics are believed to be aimed at boosting the DPP’s electoral narrative — one that paints the MCP administration as incompetent, despite mounting evidence of progress in infrastructure, health, and agriculture across the country.
If the current claims are proven true, then this latest scandal could be the final blow to Phiri’s already embattled political reputation and further proof that some DPP elements are more interested in political optics than community upliftment.
On the ground in Mulanje, many residents are voicing frustration.
“We need roads and bridges, not drama and fake arrests. If the MP is indeed behind this, then she has no shame,” said one local resident who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation.
Others have called on the ACB and Malawi Police to launch a full investigation into the matter, including an audit of how infrastructure projects in the constituency have been handled under Phiri’s watch.
Phiri’s situation comes amid a wider crisis of credibility within the DPP. As previously reported, three of the four DPP vice presidents — Jappie Mhango, Alfred Gangata, and Joseph Mwanamvekha — are all facing serious court battles, while former president Arthur Peter Mutharika himself has been implicated in shady land deals and property acquisitions.
This web of scandals has only deepened public distrust, especially as the party positions itself for a comeback in 2025. For many Malawians, DPP’s internal rot is no longer speculation, it’s being exposed arrest by arrest, headline by headline.
Whether Naomi Phiri orchestrated the bridge metal theft or not, one thing is clear: the people of Mulanje South East are tired of leaders who play politics with development. As Malawi looks ahead to 2025, the demand is not just for better roads and bridges, but for integrity, transparency, and truth in public leadership.
As investigations continue, Malawians deserve to know the truth. And if the smoke coming from Mulanje is indeed fire, those responsible must be held accountable — regardless of party or position.
