13/11/2025
HOMELAND SECURITY MINISTER MUKHITO DECORATES POLICE IG LUHANGA IN PARLIAMENT
Mr. Speaker Sir, Honourable Members,
It is with great respect and a profound sense of duty that I rise to present to this august House the nominee for the position of Inspector General of Police, Mr. Richard Luhanga, who has been duly appointed by His Excellency, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, the President of the Republic of Malawi.
Mr Speaker, this occasion marks a moment of great significance in our collective efforts to uphold the rule of law, safeguard national security, and ensure that every citizen of our nation lives in peace and safety.
Mr Luhanga brings to this esteemed office a wealth of experience, impeccable integrity, and an unwavering commitment to public service. His distinguished career and proven record of leadership stand as testament to his dedication to justice and the preservation of order.
As Honourable Members deliberate on his nomination, I wish to urge the House to give due consideration to his exemplary service, his vision for reform within the Malawi Police Service, and his steadfast devotion to professionalism and accountability.
Mr Speaker, we remain confident that, with the support of this House, Mr Luhanga will discharge his duties with diligence, transparency, and an unyielding commitment to the peace, security, and stability of our beloved nation.
I therefore submit the people’s Inspector General , a top police officer for every Malawian regardless of region , tribe , religion, ethnicity and political affiliation.
MR RICHARD CHAKUPALEZA CHIKOKO LUHANGA PROFILE
Mr. Speaker Sir, Honourable Members,
Mr. Luhanga was born on 9th June 1971 in Muwa Village, Traditional Authority Chikulamayembe, Rumphi District. He is married to Mrs. Rhoda Luhanga, and together they have two children.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, specializing in Strategic Management, from the Eastern and Southern Africa Management Institute (ESAMI) in collaboration with the Maastricht School of Management of the Netherlands, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry and Biology from the University of Malawi.
Mr. Speaker Sir, Honourable Members,
Mr. Luhanga joined the Malawi Police Service on 13th January 1997, marking the beginning of a distinguished twenty-eight-year career of loyal and exemplary service to the nation. Rising through all ranks from Constable to Commissioner, he has served in various leadership and command positions at stations, regions, the Police College and National Headquarters demonstrating professionalism, integrity and commitment to duty.
He has also represented Malawi with honour in United Nations peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sudan and Somalia, where he contributed to police reforms, restructuring and peace-building efforts in post-conflict environments.
Throughout his career, Mr. Luhanga has undertaken numerous advanced professional trainings in leadership, human rights, strategic management, and security sector reform in countries such as Botswana, Sweden, the United States, Italy, Spain, Ghana, Egypt, and Kenya. These have strengthened his capacity for modern, accountable, and community-oriented policing.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Mr. Speaker Sir, Honourable Members,
Among his notable achievements are his leadership in developing the 2020 Fresh Presidential Elections Security Plan, the Police COVID-19 Response Plan, and coordination of Cyclone Freddy operations in 2023. He has also contributed to the development of a Law Enforcement Management Degree Programme in partnership with the University of Malawi.
His dedication and service have earned him numerous awards, including United Nations Medals for distinguished performance in Liberia, Darfur, and Somalia, and the Malawi Police Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Beyond policing, Mr. Luhanga is a committed humanitarian, serving as President of the Viphya Lions Club in Mzuzu under Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest humanitarian organization.
Mr. Speaker Sir, Honourable Members,
Mr. Luhanga embodies the values of discipline, professionalism, and public service. His vision is to lead a trusted, transparent, and people-centered Police Service that upholds human rights and the rule of law.
It is therefore, with great confidence and conviction that I commend Mr. Richard Chakupaleza Chikoko Luhanga to this Honourable House for confirmation as Inspector General of Police for the Republic of Malawi.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker Sir.