Yeremiah Chihana, a Malawian politician, has faced a double setback. The Malawi Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed his bid for reinstatement as chief executive officer of Blantyre Water Board (BWB). This decision comes a day after BWB's board of directors fired him following disciplinary proceedings over alleged misconduct. Chihana's dismissal was based on findings from a disciplinary hearing he did not attend.
According to the letter of dismissal dated October 5, 2026, BWB board chairperson Stanley Chirwa stated that Chihana's misconduct was substantially grave, constituting a fundamental breach of the standards of conduct expected from a CEO. This breach irreparably undermined the trust and confidence necessary for the continuation of the employment relationship. The board also ordered Chihana to surrender all BWB property, including motor vehicles and computers.
The disciplinary committee made findings and recommendations that were considered by the BWB board at its meeting on October 5, 2026. Chihana's alleged misconduct includes misrepresentation, unauthorized appointments, and securing a K500 million overdraft without the board's approval. These allegations led to his suspension to pave the way for a disciplinary inquiry.
A seven-judge Supreme Court panel, chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa, dismissed Chihana's application for a stay of the implementation of a High Court of Malawi judgment. The court ruled that the dispute was, in substance, an employment one concerning Chihana's suspension. An effective remedy was deemed available before the Industrial Relations Court (IRC).
The Supreme Court panel comprised Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa and Justices of Appeal Healy Potani, John Katsala, Mankhambira Charles Mkandawire, Dingiswayo Madise, Frank Kapanda, and Rowland Mbvundula. Justice of Appeal Frank Kapanda read the ruling in Blantyre, dismissing Chihana's consequential prayers for restoration to his position and access to BWB's offices, records, systems, and staff.
Chihana's lawyer, Michael Goba Chipeta, indicated that several legal options could be pursued following the Supreme Court decision. However, he needed time to discuss the matter with his client. This development follows a previous High Court of Malawi decision on September 7, 2026, which vacated a stay order and injunction that Chihana had obtained against his suspension.
The Malawi Supreme Court's decision marks the latest development in Chihana's employment dispute with BWB. With the court's ruling and his dismissal from BWB, Chihana faces significant challenges in regaining his position as CEO. The Attorney General, Frank Mbeta, had applied to vacate the stay order and injunction, arguing that BWB is an essential institution supplying water to Blantyre City.
Key points
- Malawi Supreme Court dismisses Yeremiah Chihana's bid for reinstatement as BWB CEO.
- BWB board fires Chihana following disciplinary proceedings over alleged misconduct.
- Chihana's lawyer considers pursuing further legal options.
