MALAWI: Michael Usi Expelled From UTM Party

By Smile Hamilton, Malawi 

Michael Usi, the Vice President of Malawi and former acting president of the United Transformation Movement (UTM) party, has been expelled from the party, effective immediately.

This decision comes after Usi refused to appear before the party’s disciplinary committee.

Usi’s troubles with the party began when he was summoned to appear before the disciplinary committee, but failed to do so.

Instead, he communicated through his legal counsel that he did not recognise the authority of the disciplinary process.

According to UTM Publicity Secretary, Felix Njawala, Usi’s expulsion is a result of his violation of the UTM Constitution.

Specifically, Usi was found guilty of provoking division within the party and supporting a rival political party, the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), during voter registration whistle-stops in Mwanza District.

Usi had also publicly endorsed the MCP government by using its slogan, “Boma ndi Lomweli,” which is a clear violation of Article 22(8) (k) of the UTM Constitution.

This article prohibits supporting or joining political organisations not in alliance with UTM.

Usi’s expulsion from UTM is the latest development in a series of internal conflicts within the party.

Usi had taken over as acting president of the party after the tragic death of Saulos Chilima in a plane crash.

However, his leadership was short-lived, and he has since been at odds with the party’s central executive committee.

The party has advised Usi to cease identifying himself as a member of UTM in any capacity, effective immediately.

This development comes as the party prepares for the 2025 elections, and Usi’s expulsion is likely to have significant implications for the party’s future.