By Staff Writer:
Parliament has approved the appointment of Merleyn Yolamu as the new Inspector General of Police replacing George Kainja who President Lazarus Chakwera fired some two months ago after it emerged that he is one of the top government officials implicated in the Zunneth Sattar corruption scandal.
Following the firing of Kainja, Chakwera appointed Yolamu as the new Inspector General of Malawi Police pending Parliament’s approval.
On 3 August Yolamu appeared before the Public Appointments Committee of Parliament where 17 out of the 18 present members of the committee voted in support of her.
Following the August 3 meeting, on Friday the committee presented a report in parliament on its findings before moving a motion for members of parliament to vote which the members unanimously voted for Yoamu to become the first female Inspector General of Police approved by Parliament.
The only woman to serve in that highest office of the Police was late Mary Nangwale who was later rejected by Parliament.
Speaking to journalists later, Public Appointments Committee Chairperson Joyce Chitsulo said she is excited that parliament has agreed with the committee by approving Yolamu’s appointment.
“Honestly I’m super excited and relieved at the same time because this only shows that the house has confidence in the committee,” said Chitsulo.
Chitsulo said she expects the new Inspector General to fulfil the promises she made when she appeared before the committee to ensure that there is peace and order in the country.
In his remarks Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Mark Bottoman who is the party’s shadow Minister of Information said as a party they had no reason to reject Yolamu as they feel she is qualified for the job.
“We had no reason to reject her as Madam Yolamu has risen through the ranks of the Malawi Police Service and she rose all the way to the rank of acting IG and most part of her profession she served under the DPP administration so as a party that believes in women empowerment we had no reason to reject her,” said Bottoman.
Meanwhile Minister of Homeland Security Jean Sendeza has expressed her excitement at Parliament’s approval of Yotamu.
“Her confirmation is a great milestone to us as women and this just corresponds well with the President’s commitment towards empowering women in the country,” said Sendeza.
Yolamu holds a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from the Bilberck University in the UK. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts with credit from the University of Malawi.
Before her appointment as IG, Yolamyu has served in several senior management positions within the Malawi Police Service.
