Orton Chirwa
by Tom Block
Painting
In 1958, Orton Chirwa was among the high-ranking members of the Malawi
Congress Party (MCP) to choose Hastings Banda as its leader. It was a
decision that would eventually cost him his freedom, and ultimately, his life.
Upon gaining its independence in 1964, Malawi saw Banda become the
country's first ruler, though not in the democratic manner envisioned by the
MCP. Banda, who quickly declared himself president for life, ruled in a
dictatorial style wrought with oppression and abuse. Like many other former
MCP members who opposed Banda's regime, Chirwa quickly resigned from his
appointed position as Attorney General and Minister of Justice and left the
country.
In Tanzania, Orton Chirwa founded the Malawi Freedom Movement, while his
wife Vera attended law school in London. The couple lived in exile for over a
decade until abducted from Zambia by Banda's security forces in 1981 and
incarcerated in Malawi. Following a trial in which they were allowed neither
defense lawyers nor witnesses, both Orton and Vera Chirwa were convicted of
treason and sentenced to life imprisonment. Held under harsh conditions that
included torture and mistreatment, the couple saw each other only once during
their confinement until Orton Chirwa died in prison in 1992. Subsequent
pressure from domestic groups and the international community brought about
the release of Vera Chirwa in 1993.
Though Banda was replaced in a 1994 election, government oppression has not
ceased in Malawi, where state-sponsored violence, ethnic intolerance, and
suppression of free speech still persist. Vera Chirwa too persists, a leading
activist for the rights of women and children, who continues her fight despite
the battles lost along the way. In 2004, Vera Chirwa became Malawi's First
female presidential candidate, and though she didn’t succeed, her struggle has
inspired many to continue the fight for human rights and dignity.
Page created on 9/3/2015 1:06:32 PM
Last edited 9/3/2015 1:06:32 PM