By Jones Gadama
In a developing story, social media influencer Julius Mithi has been arrested by police in Mzuzu.
According to National Police spokesperson Peter Kalaya, Mithi is currently being held at Mzuzu Police station.
The reasons behind Mithi’s arrest are not yet clear, but Kalaya confirmed the development earlier today.
Mithi, a well-known social media commentator, has been involved in various controversies in the past.
In 2022, he was interdicted by the Accountant General for allegedly castigating the government and senior officials on social media.
Mithi, who worked as a Senior Accounts Assistant at the Regional Irrigation and Water Development Office in the Northern Region, was accused of misconduct and violating the Malawi Public Service Regulations.
Mithi’s lawyer had responded to the interdiction, calling it “unconstitutional” and “illegal”.
The lawyer had also asked the Attorney General to rescind the decision.
In addition to his work as a civil servant, Mithi has been an outspoken critic of the government and has used his social media platforms to express his opinions.
His arrest has sparked concern among his followers and has raised questions about the freedom of speech in Malawi.
As the situation unfolds, police have yet to disclose the reasons behind Mithi’s arrest.
It is unclear whether his arrest is related to his social media activities or if there are other factors at play.
Mithi’s arrest has also sparked debate about the role of social media in Malawi’s political landscape.
With the country gearing up for elections, the arrest of a prominent social media influencer has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to freedom of speech and expression.
As the investigation continues, Mithi’s followers and supporters are eagerly awaiting updates on his situation.
The police have promised to provide more information as it becomes available.
In the meantime, Mithi’s arrest serves as a reminder of the complex and often contentious relationship between social media, politics, and the government in Malawi.
As the country navigates the challenges of the digital age, it is clear that the intersection of social media and politics will continue to be a contentious issue.
