In 2013, a group of young outgoing Malawi Congress Partysupporters, led by Mkaka, sought a fresh face to lead the party. They found Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, then President of the Assemblies of God, and persuaded him to enter politics. But was he prepared for the role? Dr. Chakwera’s initial hesitation and need for divine guidance raise questions about his commitment to political leadership.

Leadership requires more than just potential; it demands a deep-seated willingness to step up and embrace responsibilities. However, President Chakwera’s decisions have been controversial, such as relocating the Malawi embassy to Jerusalem, driven by personal religious beliefs rather than diplomatic reasoning. This raises concerns about the influence of personal faith on national policy.

A leader’s faith can be admirable, but it becomes concerning when it overshadows governance. A nation’s leader must balance faith with pragmatism, strategic vision, and the ability to make tough decisions based on the nation’s best interests. Unfortunately, President Chakwera’s belief in his divine appointment and reliance on prayer to solve national problems is alarming.

While prayer can be a valuable source of guidance, President Chakwera’s reliance on it as the sole means of decision-making, without relevant experience from the public or private sector, is troubling. As the Bible reminds us, ‘God does not listen to sinners’ (John 9:31). This verse suggests that true wisdom and understanding come from a combination of faith, reason, and experience. By neglecting these other aspects, President Chakwera may be missing out on crucial insights and perspectives necessary for effective leadership.

In fact, President Chakwera’s actions suggest he may be hindering God from listening to his prayers due to his own shortcomings, including pride, tolerance of corruption, neglect of the poor, dishonesty, and lack of compassion. As a result, he seems to have lost direction, prioritizing non-essential matters like visiting cattle in Chikwawa over the pressing needs of Malawi.

This lack of direction indicates a leader disconnected from divine wisdom and effective governance. Intentions alone are not enough; leadership requires more. We must ask ourselves: Is Dr. Chakwera truly the leader Malawi needs, or was he persuaded into a role he was never fully prepared for?

The legacy of Dr. Chakwera’s presidency and the future of Malawi depend on the answer to this question. Was he prepared to lead, or was it mere coincidence or persuasion? The nation deserves a leader who is willing and able to lead, not one who is merely occupying the office.