Chihana specifically points to the "need to review" the procedure in the appointment of the Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service and his deputy as a critical aspect to restoring "lost trust in the police by the majority of people" of Malawi in view of the prevailing socio-political and economic environment.

Chihana told Zodiak Online that the existing Police Act, "particularly Section 105" is in apparent conflict with the prevailing democratic dispensation as such, citizens ought to lead in the appointment of the two top most police officers in the country.

In its present form, the act give the president the power to name a police inspector general and the deputy with parliament only to confirm or reject a process that has largely been defeated by political dynamics.

But while acknowledging the need to review the Police Act, rights activist and lawyer Justin Dzonzi, cautions that such an approach would require a lot of care as the terrain is legally delicate.