Malawi’s first Ombudsman James Makoza Chirwa has died.

Spokesperson for the Office of the Ombudsman Mandy Pondani has confirmed the development.

And in a statement, Ombudsman Grace Malera says Chirwa championed the decentralisation of the office in 1996.

This, she adds, led to the establishment of the Mzuzu and Blantyre regional offices which made the office reachable to many Malawians.

“His legacy will continue to inspire current and future generations to strive for justice, equality and good governance,” Malera says.

Chirwa served as Ombudsman from 1995 to 1998.