By Burnett Munthali
The Malawi Law Society (MLS) has declined a request from lawyer Alexious Kamangila to provide him with legal representation in a defamation case filed by High Court Judge Kenan Manda.
The decision was made due to Kamangila’s failure to pay subscription fees and the personal nature of the dispute.
MLS chairperson Davis Njobvu stated in a letter dated February 19, 2026, that Kamangila’s subscription fees for the 2025–2026 and 2026–2027 practice years remain unpaid, citing Section 67(3) of the Legal Education and Legal Practitioners Act.
According to the Act, a member who has not paid subscription “is not entitled to the rights and privileges of membership”.
MLS further argues that Civil Cause Number 141 of 2024, in which Justice Manda is suing Kamangila, revolves around personal matters.
The Society says intervening in a private dispute would compromise its position of neutrality and could be perceived as a conflict of interest.
The case dates back to October 2024, when Justice Manda obtained an interlocutory injunction from the High Court in Lilongwe restraining Kamangila from publishing statements about him on social media.
The injunction followed allegations Kamangila made against the judge and other lawyers regarding corruption. Justice Manda is seeking K250 million in damages for defamation.
Regarding security concerns, MLS clarifies that it is a professional body and not a security agency.
The Society says the Legal Education and Legal Practitioners Act does not empower it to provide physical protection.
“We strongly believe that the most effective course of action is to engage the relevant State agencies,” the letter reads.
“We would, therefore, encourage you to formally report any threats to the Malawi Police Service so that they can be investigated and addressed”.
The Society says it has already engaged with Kamangila’s former lawyer, Gift Dick Chimowa, following the reported attack against him and provided him with necessary support.
MLS has also expressed concern over the nature of Kamangila’s recent public communications, in which he allegedly made statements accusing the Society’s leadership of corruption.
