Public outrage is mounting following revelations that the Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe has been left in a state of shocking disrepair, with citizens and governance advocates demanding that those responsible for the vandalism face the full force of the law.
The once-spotless presidential residence, long regarded as a symbol of national pride, was found littered with garbage, stripped of valuables, and marked by signs of deliberate damage during a visit by The Daily Times yesterday. Broken pipes, missing furniture, and faeces smeared on walls painted a picture of chaos and neglect.
Officials at the residence stated that the previous staff had left the premises in total disarray, forcing the new administration to launch an urgent cleanup and renovation exercise. “If you had come some days ago, you would have seen the mess that was left. Some of the things have been dealt with but there is still more to be done to make this place habitable,” one official told the Daily Times.
As the extent of the destruction became public, many Malawians took to Facebook and other social media platforms to express their anger and disappointment, calling for those responsible to be punished.
“This is pure sabotage and disrespect to the nation,” wrote Joseph Banda. “Anyone who did this must be arrested. Kamuzu Palace belongs to all Malawians, not individuals.”
Another user, Tapiwa Phiri, commented, “We are tired of impunity. Every time a new government comes in, public property is destroyed or looted. This must stop, and the culprits should face the law.”
Similarly, Lilian Mvula described the images from the palace as “a national embarrassment,” urging the authorities to take immediate action. “If people can vandalise the State House without fear, what message does that send to the rest of the country?” she asked.
Former Chief of Staff Prince Kapondamgaga could not be reached for comment, while former State House Director of Communications Kent Mphepo declined to speak to the newspaper on the matter.
Meanwhile, President Peter Mutharika is yet to move into the official residence. He is expected to preside over the swearing-in of four Cabinet ministers today from his private home in Blantyre.
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