Residents of Ndirande Township have justified the violence that erupted on Friday, targeting Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu’s convoy, claiming that the minister’s unannounced visit disrupted their business operations.

The violent incident, which saw Kunkuyu cut short his tour of Limbe and Thyolo, saw protesters throw stones at the convoy, including police vehicles, and clash with security forces. Police were forced to use tear gas to disperse the crowds as chaos unfolded in the bustling township.

In a video circulating widely on social media, a man who identified himself as the secretary of Ndirande Market explained the frustration that led to the violence. He accused the minister of disrupting the local economy by arriving unannounced and failing to consult local leaders.

“We just heard that the minister came to the township and people threw stones at his convoy because it disturbed us. We are the owners of Ndirande, and we want the politicians to respect that,” said the man who was seen addressing a crowd. “You can don’t just come here, disrupt our lives and expect us to sit back quietly. If you want to pass, please let us know in advance. We have our operations here, and we cannot allow anyone, no matter how powerful, to come and disrupt our livelihood.”

The man’s words were met with approval from the assembled crowd, with many chanting in agreement, further expressing their anger at the disruption caused by Kunkuyu’s convoy. According to residents, the presence of a high-profile political figure, along with a convoy of vehicles and police, forced local businesses to close temporarily and created chaos in the busy market area.

Many of the township’s traders expressed their displeasure with the government’s approach, claiming they felt ignored and disrespected by politicians who they say have only come to Ndirande when it suits them, especially during election periods.

“We are not against politicians coming here, but they must show respect for the people who live and work in this area. When you come, you don’t just force your way in and disrupt people’s lives,” said another resident, a woman who runs a small business in Ndirande. “It’s always the same – they only show up when they need our votes, but they don’t care about our daily struggle.”

Protesters’ complaints appear to stem from a lack of communication and consultation with local leaders before high-profile visits. The anger was exacerbated by the belief that the authorities did not take sufficient account of the inconvenience caused to ordinary people who were simply trying to do their jobs.

After the attack, Minister Kunkuyu canceled his visit and condemned the violence, describing it as “politically motivated”. The minister also rejected suggestions that the protesters were acting in good faith, instead labeling the violence a calculated attempt to disrupt the government’s engagement with citizens.

“We will not be intimidated by this kind of behavior,” Kunkuyu told reporters after the incident. “This kind of violence is not tolerated. We are here to serve the people of Ndirande, and we will continue to support them regardless of what happened today. It is regrettable, but we will not let it stop us from our mission. “

The minister’s comments seem to indicate that the incident was orchestrated by political opponents. He reiterated that the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), which he represents, does not tolerate violence and will continue to engage with the public, regardless of any disruptions.

Political analyst Ernest Thindwa has warned that incidents like the one in Ndirande are becoming more common and reflect deepening divisions within the country’s political climate. Thindwa noted that while the residents’ grievances were valid, the use of violence to express discontent only escalates tensions and could worsen if not addressed.

“While it is clear that there are legitimate frustrations from the people of Ndirande, political violence only exacerbates the situation. If this becomes a trend, it could lead to greater instability ahead of the elections,” Thindwa warned. “Politicians must engage with citizens more respectfully and carefully, and the government must ensure that all stakeholders, including local leaders, are involved in these important processes.”

Thindwa added that the government and the opposition must work together to calm political tensions and avoid further unrest as the country approaches general elections in 2025. Failure to do so, he warned, could result in greater public disillusionment and violence.

The events in Ndirande underscore the need for greater transparency and communication between political leaders and the communities they serve. Residents have expressed a desire for more consultation before politicians make public appearances in their neighbourhoods, particularly in sensitive areas where business is affected.

For many in Ndirande, the attack on Kunkuyu’s convoy was not just an outburst of anger, but a larger statement of political exclusion and disregard for the people’s daily lives. As Malawi’s political landscape becomes more polarized, it is clear that engaging communities through dialogue and respect, rather than violence and disruption, will be key to ensuring a peaceful and successful electoral process.

While the violence against Minister Kunkuyu’s convoy was a deplorable incident, it highlights wider tensions between political leaders and the public, particularly in economically stressed areas such as Ndirande. The event serves as a reminder that leaders must do more than just visit communities for photo opportunities – they must listen, consult and engage with citizens in a meaningful and respectful way. Failure to do so will only lead to more unrest, which Malawi cannot afford as the country moves towards the next elections.

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