The Malawi Police Service (MPS) has appointed Commissioner Noel Mlowoka Kayira as Deputy Inspector General (DIG) responsible for Administration, marking a new chapter in the leadership of the country’s law enforcement agency.
According to official communication from the Inspector General of Police Merlyne Yolamu, the appointment of Kayira is effective from April 16, 2025, following approval by the Police Service Commission during its 426th meeting held from April 14 to 16 at Makokola Police Cottage.
The appointment was formally announced on May 9 in a letter signed by Violet Magwaya, Director of Human Resource Management and Development, on behalf of the Inspector General.
Under the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), such promotions were often driven by tribal and regional biases, with little regard for academic qualifications or professional leadership.
This saw the rise of officers like Peter Mukhitho, now the DPP Secretary General who comes from Thyolo and Duncan Mwapasa, a DPP operative also from Thyolo, the home of former President Arthur Peter Mutharika. Kayira comes from Karonga.
DIG Kayira, until recently the South East Police Region Commissioner, brings to the role a wealth of experience, academic distinction, and a strong reputation for ethical leadership. A trained lawyer, he also holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Administration from the University of Malawi (Unima), reflecting a deep understanding of both legal and institutional frameworks governing law enforcement and public service.
Widely regarded as one of the most principled and professional senior police officers in Malawi, Kayira has earned the trust and respect of both his peers and the public through a career defined by discipline, reform-mindedness, and an unwavering commitment to service.
Throughout his years in the police service, Kayira has served in various strategic roles, leading complex operations and championing modernization efforts within the force. He has often been cited as an example of integrity within a system that has faced its share of criticism over the years.
Alongside Kayira, the Police Service Commission also announced the promotion of Angello Ackis Muwanga, formerly Director of Operations at Area 30, to DIG responsible for Operations. Muwanga replaces the late Casper Chalera, who passed away in October 2024. Chalera had served as DIG since 2022 and was known for his operational leadership.
These two senior appointments are part of a broader drive to promote deserving men and women in uniform that saw over 860 police officers promoted across the country, a move aimed at strengthening the police service and improving morale within the ranks.
Kayira’s appointment is widely seen as a strategic move to reinforce professionalism and administrative efficiency within the Malawi Police Service. With his impeccable background, both professional and academic, stakeholders expect him to play a pivotal role in transforming police operations, enforcing accountability, and building public trust in the service.
His elevation comes at a critical time when the MPS is undergoing reform and faces increasing demands for transparency, effective crime prevention, and community-based policing.
