The Malawi Police Service has effected transfers for security officers in all state residences.

National Police Spokesperson Peter Kalaya confirmed the transfers but was quick to note that the transfers are internal management decisions that he cannot comment on.

A memo from the Malawi Police Service indicates that the transfers have affected the Zomba, Mtunthama, Mzuzu, and Chikoko-Bay state lodges, Kamuzu and Sanjika Palace, and others.

The police officers that were at the state residences have been moved to different police stations and posts across the country, while a few will continue to provide security to the former head of state, Lazarus Chakwera.

Another memo shows direct replacements for the transferred officers.

A security expert, Sheriff Kaisi, says such transfers are normal in times when there is a transition of power.

"It is normal, and we have seen this with all the governments. Every president has his own preferences when beefing up his own security," said Kaisi.

While agreeing with Kaisi, a governance expert, Dr. George Chaima believes that anyone appointed to provide security to the state residences may be politically affiliated with a particular party in government.

"This is mostly based on political affiliation. It would be a lie to say that this is not done without looking at the political parties that the officers align themselves with," said Dr. Chaima.

Malawians elected Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika as Malawi's seventh president on 16 September this year.