Comedian-Turned-Politician Becomes Malawi’s Vice President
Micheal Usi, a top comedian turned politician, was sworn in as Malawi’s vice president in Lilongwe. The 55-year-old replaces Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash earlier this month.
Usi accepted the role with a mix of sadness and gratitude, promising to honor Chilima’s memory and thanking President Lazarus Chakwera for the trust placed in him.
Usi, famous as the mischievous character “Manganya” in the popular TV sitcom “Tikuferanji,” has been a familiar face on national radio and TV for over two decades.
Before acting, he was a hospital clinician and later worked at the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra), promoting Malawi’s film industry and advocating for poor communities. He holds a PhD in youth development from the University of Bedfordshire in the UK.
Usi’s political journey began seven years ago when he formed a movement, Odya zake alibe Mulandu, which later joined the UTM party led by Chilima.
Despite initial skepticism about his political ambitions, he proved his commitment by becoming Chilima’s running mate in the 2019 elections.
Although the results were nullified, the UTM formed an alliance that won the 2020 elections, making Usi the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Wildlife, and later, the Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change.
While some UTM members were absent at his inauguration, Usi promised to unite the party and honor Chilima’s legacy.
This news was reported by the BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy99zenw55vo