By Burnett Munthali
Former UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati has taken a strong stance against Vice President Michael Usi’s growing political movement, “Odya Zake Alibe Mulandu”, accusing it of copying UTM’s branding and colours. Speaking at a rally held at Mbayani Primary School Grounds in Blantyre, Kaliati expressed her frustration over what she sees as blatant imitation of UTM’s identity by Usi’s movement.
Known for her bold and confrontational approach, Kaliati did not hold back in criticizing Usi, a former UTM senior member who is now carving his own political path. She claimed that Odya Zake Alibe Mulandu is misleading Malawians by borrowing heavily from UTM’s visual identity and messaging, creating confusion among voters.
Accusations of Political Plagiarism
According to Kaliati, colours and branding play a crucial role in political movements, and she argued that Usi’s group is deliberately using UTM’s colours to benefit from the party’s popularity. She emphasized that political integrity requires originality and warned that such actions could create unnecessary divisions among Malawians who are already struggling with economic and governance issues.
“We worked hard to build UTM’s identity, and we cannot sit back and watch another movement hijack what we created. Odya Zake Alibe Mulandu must define its own identity instead of confusing Malawians,” she declared.
Kaliati further challenged Usi to clearly state his political agenda, rather than relying on rhetoric and populist slogans. She questioned whether the movement has a real vision for Malawi’s development or if it is merely a platform for political survival.
Growing Political Tensions
The exchange between Kaliati and Usi signals growing political tensions within Malawi’s political landscape, particularly in the Tonse Alliance, where both UTM and Usi’s movement were once aligned under President Lazarus Chakwera’s administration. With Malawi moving closer to 2025 general elections, political figures are increasingly positioning themselves for influence, and Usi’s emergence as an independent force is likely to shake the balance of power.
While Odya Zake Alibe Mulandu started as a social movement advocating for financial independence, it has gradually taken on a political character, attracting supporters who resonate with its anti-establishment rhetoric. This shift appears to have unsettled UTM, which sees itself as the true alternative to the current administration.
The Future of Usi’s Movement
Whether Usi’s movement will gain enough traction to become a formidable political force remains to be seen. However, Kaliati’s remarks suggest that UTM is not taking the challenge lightly and will continue to defend its position as a key player in Malawi’s opposition landscape.
Meanwhile, Usi has yet to officially respond to Kaliati’s criticisms, but his movement’s growing popularity indicates that it is striking a chord with some Malawians who are dissatisfied with traditional political parties.
As political dynamics in Malawi continue to shift, the battle for branding, messaging, and voter loyalty is intensifying, setting the stage for a highly competitive political season ahead.
