By Burnett Munthali
Former UTM Secretary General, Dr. Patricia Kaliati, has come out strongly to refute audios circulating on social media that speculate she is planning to abandon the UTM Party. The voice notes, allegedly featuring her voice, have sparked widespread debate, with claims that they contain critical remarks about the party and personal issues.
Dr. Kaliati dismissed the audios as fabrications, suspecting that they were generated using artificial intelligence (AI) to sow discord within the UTM Party and frustrate its agenda ahead of the 2025 general elections. She reaffirmed her commitment to the party and its vision, declaring her unwavering loyalty to UTM until the legacy of the late Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima (SKC) is fully realized.
“These audios are nothing but a calculated move to disrupt our focus as we gear up for the 2025 elections,” said Dr. Kaliati in a statement. “I remain loyal to the UTM Party and will not waver in my commitment to fulfilling SKC’s legacy and the promises we made to Malawians.”
The audios, which surfaced earlier today, have been widely shared on social media platforms, igniting speculation about internal conflicts within UTM. In the clips, the alleged voice of Dr. Kaliati reportedly discusses sensitive matters, including the party’s internal dynamics and personal concerns. However, Dr. Kaliati categorically denied any involvement, urging party members and supporters to stay vigilant against such divisive tactics.
The UTM Party has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, but insiders suggest that the party views the circulation of the audios as part of a broader campaign to weaken its standing ahead of the highly anticipated elections.
Dr. Kaliati’s defense highlights the growing challenge of misinformation and the misuse of AI technology in Malawi’s political landscape. With the elections drawing closer, political analysts predict an increase in such tactics as parties and individuals vie for public attention and influence.
As the story unfolds, the incident underscores the importance of digital literacy and the need for political actors to adapt to emerging threats in the information age. Whether the allegations of AI-generated manipulation hold true or not, the controversy has put a spotlight on the stakes involved in Malawi’s upcoming elections.
Dr. Kaliati remains resolute, calling on UTM supporters to focus on the party’s mission and to reject efforts aimed at derailing their collective goals. “We must remain united and focused on delivering real change for Malawians,” she emphasized.
The voice notes saga serves as a reminder of the complexities of modern political campaigns and the necessity for truth and unity in navigating such turbulent times.
