Dr. Michael Usi advised to cease identifying himself as a UTM member
By Vincent Gunde
The Disciplinary Committee of the United Transformation Movement (UTM) following a thorough disciplinary process, has resolved to expel the country’s Vice President Dr. Michael Usi from the Party with immediate effect.
Dr. Usi, who took over the leadership of the UTM after the tragic death of Dr. Saulosi Klaus Chilima on 10th June, 2024 in the Chikangawa forest in Mzimba district, was being accused of misbehaving in a matter likely to create divisions in the party.
At one time, some people in Malawi recognized the UTM in two divisions, one led by Dr. Michael Usi with a “cooking stick” and the other one headed by the former Secretary General of the Party who is now an advisor to the UTM President Dr. Dalitso Kabambe, Dr. Patricia Kaliati as UTM of holding candlelight Memorial Services in honor of the departed Dr. Saulosi Chilima.
In the letter of expulsion to Dr. Usi dated 30TH December, 2024 signed by its National Publicity Secretary Felix Njawala, the UTM says the decision has been arrived at following Dr. Usi’s violation of the UTM Constitution through conduct that has undermined the unity and integrity of the Party.
The letter says Dr. Usi has been provoking division within the party through mobilization of UTM supporters to attend a government function while wearing UTM regalia and displaying party symbols despite the formal termination of the political alliance between UTM and MCP.
It says Dr. Usi was seen supporting a rival political party during voter registration exercise whistle-stops in Mwanza district where he publicly endorsed the MCP government by using its slogan “Boma ndilomweli” violating Article 22(8) of the UTM Constitution which prohibits supporting or joining political organizations not in alliance with UTM.
In the letter, the UTM says despite being duly summoned to appear before the Disciplinary Committee, Dr. Usi chose not to appear and instead, communicated through his legal counsel that he did not recognize the authority of the disciplinary process.
“The UTM Party remains steadfast in the upholding its values and the principles enshrined in its Constitution of Unity, Integrity and Loyalty to the Party’s vision are non-negotiable, members who act contrary to these principles will be held accountable to safeguard the collective interests of the Party,” reads the letter in part.
The UTM has finally urged all of its members and the public to respect this decision and focus on strengthening the Party’s mission to deliver meaningful and transformative change for Malawians advising Dr. Usi to cease identifying himself as a member of UTM in any capacity, effective immediately.
