Comedian-turned-politician Michael Usi has been sworn in as Malawi’s vice-president during a ceremony in parliament in Lilongwe. The 55-year-old replaces Saulos Chilima, who died in a plane crash earlier this month along with eight others.
Dr. Usi received a standing ovation during his speech, expressing both sadness and gratitude. He promised to honor his predecessor’s memory and thanked President Lazarus Chakwera for his confidence in him.
Usi’s appointment has divided Malawians. Some have shared clips from his acting career, questioning his seriousness, while others have praised the president for honoring the alliance between their parties by appointing Chilima’s deputy.
Known popularly as “Manganya,” Usi has a long career in acting and advocacy for Malawi’s film industry. He funded his acting career by working as a hospital clinician and later served as country director for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra).
Despite his acting career, Usi pursued political ambitions, founding a movement and later joining the UTM party led by Chilima. He was Chilima’s running mate in the 2019 elections and served as minister of tourism, culture and wildlife, and later as minister of natural resources and climate change.
Dr. Usi holds a PhD in youth development from the University of Bedfordshire in the UK and has been a prominent figure on national radio and television for over two decades. At his inauguration, he vowed to unify the party and honor Chilima’s legacy.