President Lazarus Chakwera has fired Minister of Energy Newton Kambala.

A statement signed by Secretary to the President and Cabinet Zangazanga Chikhosi advises that all ministerial powers for the ministry have now been assumed by the President.

The development comes barely two days after The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested Kambala, along with AFORD President Chakufwa Chihana and presidential advisor Chris Chaima Banda over interference in fuel supply contracts.

It is alleged that the trio is accused of attempting to influence the award of fuel supply contracts at the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA).

According to the ACB, the investigation established that Kambala attempted to influence NOCMA to award contracts of 2020/2021 fuel supply for the advantage of Orxy, Finergy, and Trifugira Fuel companies.

It was also established that Chihana and Mr. Chris Chaima Banda aided and abetted Kambala when he attempted to influence the award of the contract to supply 40000 metric tons of fuel to a company known as Finergy.

They were arrested on Monday and interrogated by the ACB.

Interrogations were completed yesterday.

Appearing In court on Wednesday, Kambala has since been charged with conspiracy to influence a public officer to abuse their office; misuse of public office, and attempting to influence a public officer.

Chihana and Chaima have both been charged with conspiracy to influence abuse of office and attempting to influence a public officer.

All three suspects have denied the charges.