Malawi minister criticised for Bible quote
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Nyasa Times
Malawian Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha has faced criticism after citing a Bible verse referring to the death penalty for those who curse their parents, in response to detractors of President Arthur Peter Mutharika. Commentator Onjezani Kenani says the reference could legitimise attacks on the head of state’s critics, Nyasa Times reports.
Malawi’s Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha has faced criticism after citing a Bible verse that refers to the death penalty for anyone who curses their parents, in response to criticism of President Arthur Peter Mutharika, Nyasa Times reports. Exodus 21:17 prescribes this punishment for those who curse their father or mother.
Commentator Onjezani Kenani denounced the reference as “dangerous” on Facebook, saying it equated the president with a father figure whose authority could not be challenged. He added that criticising a head of state is neither filial disobedience nor a crime deserving punishment. His post received hundreds of likes and comments in one day, Nyasa Times reports.
Reactions were divided: several internet users agreed with Kenani, while others considered the debate secondary to the country’s problems. Mwanamvekha has not publicly responded to the criticism, according to Nyasa Times.
The controversy comes as Mutharika faces criticism over the country’s situation, including shortages mentioned in an appeal to address shortages published on 4 October. An article on 9 October also reported that inflation fell to 20% during his first year in office.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
