Vice President Michael Usi has passionately justified his appointment, declaring his readiness to serve the people of Malawi.
Speaking at Kameza Roadblock in Blantyre, the kickoff point of his southern region tour, Usi addressed a sizeable crowd that had gathered to cheer his whistle-stop tour.
In his speech to the jubilant crowd, Usi, who is UTM acting president, challenged his detractors, urging them to step away from their political doubts and support his vision.
He likened the current political leadership climate within the UTM to a woman cooking Nsima. “When a woman is cooking Nsima, and the porridge boils over and spills on her, she doesn’t quit cooking.
At the present moment, the cooking stick (mthiko) is with me,” Usi stated. “I will continue cooking. Those who want to jump out of the boiling pot, let them do it. I will continue cooking so that you are fed.”
Usi, a self-described “poor man’s son,” expressed his gratitude for the opportunities given to him, first by Saulos Chilima as Vice President of the UTM party, and now by President Lazarus Chakwera as Vice President of the country.
“You should be amazed that Saulos Chilima gave me the position of Vice President of UTM, and Chakwera has given me the position of Vice President of the country. If I do not perform well, God will punish me. I do not want to come here and be ashamed. Let me do what God has sent me to do. God bless you.”
Despite his inspiring words, Usi has faced criticism for his recent actions.
He has been under fire for not participating in nationwide candlelight memorial services honoring the late Saulos Chilima, who tragically died in a plane crash on June 10, 2024.
Instead of attending these memorials, Usi presided over a meeting with players from the creative sector at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre, his first official function since assuming the Vice Presidency.
Social media pundits have expressed disappointment and outrage over Usi’s absence from the memorial services, questioning his commitment to honoring his predecessor’s legacy.
The candlelight memorials, organized by UTM, were held in various locations across the country, including Mulanje, Karonga, Rumphi, Mzimba, Ntcheu, and Balaka.
Critics have accused Usi of disrespecting the memory of Chilima and prioritizing less crucial engagements amidst pressing national issues.
“A very bad start by the Vice President. Really, a week has gone since becoming Vice President, and all what is his preamble is this meeting. Lacking seriousness.
Malawians have high hopes in him as Vice President, not as Manganya,” wrote Che Langa. “This is a priority disorder,” concurred Gideon Moucha.
Usi’s decision to skip the memorial events and prioritize a meeting with the creative sector has sparked debate and raised questions about his leadership priorities.
As he continues his tour, Usi’s actions and commitments will be closely watched by the nation, eager to see how he balances his responsibilities and honors the legacy of his predecessor.
In Lilongwe, Usi faced further criticism for his perceived lack of action. Despite these challenges, he remains steadfast in his resolve to serve Malawi diligently.
“Let me do what God has sent me to do,” he reiterated, signaling his commitment to fulfilling his duties as Vice President.
