I was born in Malawi in 1974, just 10 years after the country gained independence from the British. However, all signs of dictatorial tendencies by the country’s first President, Hastings Kamuzu Banda, were already apparent. The media was not allowed to function as a fourth estate, but instead operated as a diary and propaganda machine for the president and his ruling Malawi Congress Party. Growing up, I witnessed this suppression of free expression firsthand as the situation deteriorated. By 1994, when I was 20 years old and the regime had reached its 30th year, Malawi was finally transitioning to a multiparty democratic state — a shift that would deeply influence my path into journalism and my commitment to holding power accountable.
My parents, both educators, instilled in me a love for learning. My mother, particularly, was instrumental in sparking my curiosity, teaching me to read after my initial struggles in school. That moment of discovery, the joy of unlocking stories and knowledge, planted a seed that would later bloom into my passion for journalism.
Why journalism? Why now?
The path to journalism, and specifically investigative journalism, was not a straight line but one shaped by conviction and necessity. My journey began in 1993 with my first article in the Malawi Democrat, a publication smuggled into the country during our transition to multiparty democracy. This was a bold and dangerous time for journalism in Malawi. The oppressive regime stifled dissenting voices, allowing only state-controlled media to thrive. Writing for the Malawi Democrat was not just a job; it was an act of resistance.
My last journalism role before founding the non-profit public media entity was with the Times Media Group in Malawi, a position that came with immense frustrations. The gatekeeping system within the media had become deeply compromised, and investigative stories that required significant effort and resources were frequently suppressed, never reaching the public. This problem wasn’t exclusive to Times Media but was symptomatic of the broader state of major media organizations in the country. It was a disheartening and disillusioning experience, one that compelled me to deeply consider the critical responsibility of journalists to serve the public and hold those in power accountable.
Around the same time, in South Africa, a nonprofit media outlet, the AmaBhungane Centre for Investigative Journalism, was making headlines by exposing deeply rooted corruption within the South African government — an era that became known as “State Capture.” Their work inspired me profoundly, and I secured a three-month fellowship/internship position there to learn and understand their operations. Upon returning home in 2018, I initiated the registration process for a similar organization, which by 2019 culminated in the establishment of the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ). PIJ has since taken its place as a true fourth estate, holding the powerful to account and earning national recognition, including awards for being the best media outlet dedicated to exposing corruption and promoting accountability.
As the founder of the Platform for Investigative Journalism (PIJ), I’ve dedicated my career to exposing corruption and holding power accountable. From uncovering financial scandals to shedding light on human rights abuses, my work often places me in the crosshairs of those who wish to silence the truth.
In 2022, I was arrested under dubious charges for exposing corruption — an experience that reaffirmed my commitment to this work, despite its personal risks. The government had labeled my investigative work as “spamming” under the Electronic Transactions & Cyber Security Act. My devices were confiscated, and I was pressured to reveal sources. I refused, standing firm on the principle of protecting my sources. That experience underscored the critical need for safety and security in investigative journalism, which has become one of my key focus areas as a 2025 John S. Knight Journalism Fellow at Stanford.
This moment at the JSK Fellowship is critical because journalism is evolving rapidly, and so must I. We’re at the intersection of innovation and accountability, and I see AI as a vital tool in transforming how we approach investigative journalism. The fellowship offers the perfect environment to explore these tools and solutions.
Questions I’m exploring at Stanford
At the heart of my fellowship work lies a question: How can journalism do more than expose problems and also contribute to solutions? In my time at Stanford, I hope to find ways to use technology, particularly AI, to achieve this. For instance, one challenge I’ve identified is how to distill lengthy investigative stories into concise briefs. By doing so, we can engage readers who may not have the time or patience to delve into lengthy reports, ensuring that they still grasp the core issues and participate in democratic governance.
Beyond storytelling, I’m also looking at how to secure investigative journalists in hostile environments. The threats we face are not just legal or political but extend to physical and digital safety. I want to explore tools that shift the power dynamics, making it safer for journalists to report the truth while maintaining the integrity of their work.
Stanford’s location in Silicon Valley is not just a backdrop; it’s a driving force for the innovations I’m pursuing. This is a place where technology and creativity converge, offering access to AI tools, cybersecurity experts, and a culture of problem-solving. Here, I’ve already begun collaborating with thought leaders and innovators to reimagine how investigative journalism can adapt to the 21st century.
For PIJ, these innovations could be transformative. I envision using AI not just for data analysis, but for creating tools that empower readers and reporters alike. I’m also challenging assumptions about who gets to consume investigative journalism, pushing for accessibility and inclusivity in our reporting.
Resilience and the road ahead
Resilience has been a constant companion in my journey. Threats, harassment, and arrests have tested my resolve, but they’ve also strengthened my commitment. My family is my anchor, especially my wife Edith and our two daughters and my son. Despite the challenges that come with this work, they support my mission, understanding its importance for our society.
Looking ahead, my vision for investigative journalism in Africa is bold. I want to see a future where journalists are protected by robust legal frameworks, supported by sustainable funding, and equipped with cutting-edge technology. At Stanford, I’m not just learning for myself; I’m learning for the next generation of journalists I mentor through PIJ and other initiatives.
As I delve deeper into the questions that brought me here, I invite others — journalists, technologists, and readers — to join this journey. Investigative journalism is not just about uncovering the truth; it’s about empowering societies to act on it. Together, we can shape a future where journalism is a force for accountability, equity, and change.
