Malawi: Luntha TV Denies Coordinated Effort to Boost VP Ansah

What the report says

Luntha TV director Fr David Niwagaba has rejected claims that the Malawi-based station was part of a coordinated effort to build political support for Vice President Jane Ansah, according to Nyasa Times as carried by AllAfrica. He said the allegations were unfounded and insisted the broadcaster follows professional standards and media ethics.

The dispute stems from remarks made on Luntha TV by jailed activist Sylvester Namiwa, who said on 31 July that Ansah could become president within two months if the ruling Democratic Progressive Party did not resolve internal divisions. That appearance led to claims that the station had given him a platform to promote a political message, and Namiwa was later arrested and charged with treason, the report said.

Ansah’s office has also distanced itself from the comments, calling any suggestion of coordination false and saying it does not associate with statements aimed at undermining the presidency or the unity of the office. The article also notes that the Maravi Post later retracted a story that had helped fuel speculation about an organized political agenda. The episode highlights the sensitivity of political speech and media coverage in Malawi, where allegations tied to the presidency and treason charges can quickly escalate into broader controversy.