By Burnett Munthali
Leaked phone audios circulating on social media have revealed that former UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati is reportedly considering leaving the party. In the audios, which Malawi Voice has reviewed, Kaliati expresses her bitterness about the results of the party’s recent convention, where she received only 21 votes.
In one part of the conversation, Kaliati is heard discussing her political future with an unidentified male individual. She inquires: “Ku MCP atati andipatse unduna, Ku DPP u running mate, ndipite kuti?” (If MCP offers me a ministerial position, or DPP offers me a running mate position, where should I go?).
The male individual responds, advising her: “MCP ilibe tsogolo, ikupita, ndiye ulemelero wanu ukhala wa 10 months basi” (MCP has no future, it is on its way out, and so your prominence would last only 10 months).
These conversations suggest a growing dissatisfaction within Kaliati with the direction of the UTM, possibly signaling her readiness to shift allegiances to another political party. The audios have raised questions about the stability within the UTM and the broader political landscape as key figures contemplate their political futures ahead of the 2025 general elections.
It remains to be seen how Kaliati’s rumored departure will affect the UTM and her standing within Malawian politics. Her comments also hint at larger discontent with both the MCP and DPP, though she appears uncertain about the best path forward. Political observers are closely watching to see how this situation will unfold.
