Michael Usi, a renowned comedian and actor, has been inaugurated as Malawi’s new vice-president during a parliamentary ceremony in Lilongwe.
At 55, Usi succeeds Saulos Chilima, who tragically died in a plane crash earlier this month.
Following his swearing-in, Usi received a standing ovation, expressing his mixed feelings of sadness and gratitude. He pledged to honour Chilima’s memory and thanked President Lazarus Chakwera for the trust placed in him.
Usi’s appointment has sparked mixed reactions among Malawians. While some question his suitability for the role by sharing clips of his acting career on social media, others commend President Chakwera for maintaining the political alliance by selecting Chilima’s party deputy.
Known for his controversial and popular TV character “Manganya” in the sitcom Tikuferanji, Usi has been a prominent figure on Malawian radio and television for over two decades. Besides his entertainment career, he has been a passionate advocate for Malawi’s film industry and worked for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra), promoting various social causes.
Holding a PhD in youth development from the University of Bedfordshire, Usi has balanced his roles in entertainment, development work, and politics. Initially perceived as a prank, his political ambitions were realized through the UTM party led by Dr. Chilima. Together, they garnered significant support, culminating in a successful electoral alliance in 2020 with Dr. Chakwera.
Despite some party divisions evident at his inauguration, Usi promised to unify the UTM and honor Chilima’s legacy. His political journey reflects a blend of entertainment, advocacy, and governance, now taking a pivotal turn as he steps into the vice-presidency of Malawi.
