Vincent Gunde- Malawi Exclusive
Malawi’s Chief Justice, Andrew Nyirenda SC has retired upon his attainment of the age of 65 which is the mandatory retirement age as prescribed in the Republican Constitution.
Justice Nyirenda has led the Judiciary with a mark of distinction since his appointment to the office of Chief Justice on 12th March, 2015 by former President and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) leader, Arthur Peter Mutharika.
In a statement signed by Registrar of the High Court and Supreme Court, Gladys Gondwe, says “The Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda SC (retired) will be fondly remembered for the developmental strides the Judiciary has experienced during his tenure of office”
The statement says as prescribed by law under section 113(1) of the Republican Constitution, Hon. Chief Justice of Appeal, Rezine Mzikamanda SC being the most senior judge sitting on the Supreme Court of Appeal, will perform the functions of the Office of the Chief Justice until such a time when it shall please His Excellency the State President, Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera to appoint a successor to Chief Justice Nyirenda SC (retired).
“Join me in wishing Hon. Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda SC the very best in his retirement and pledging support to Hon. Chief Justice of Appeal, Rezine Mzikamanda SC in the new role,’’.reads the statement in part.
Hon Nyirenda is retiring a happy man after professionally handling constitutional case where the Presidential results were nullified describing them fraudulent.
The court dismissed the Presidential Election Case filed by the Democratic Progressive Party [DPP] with costs contrary to the expectations of one million DPP members including its leader, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika who was waiting for the court judgement on the case with a smile for a Re-run.
Meanwhile President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has congratulated Hon Justice Nyirenda and wished him well as he retires.
Chakwera said Nyirenda will be remembered for leaving a mark in the Malawi Judicial system.
In 2020 with days to the court sanctioned Fresh Presidential Elections [FPE], former President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika attempted to send on forced leave Chief Justice Andrew Nyirenda SC (retired) pending retirement but this was received by lawyers and Magistrates joining in the street protests against the DPP led government for meddling into the affairs of country’s Judiciary.