By Chisomo Phiri
Malawian scholar and political aspirant Jani Grey Kasunda has announced his intention to contest in the 2030 presidential election, vowing to lead what he calls a ‘People’s Revolution’ aimed at restoring dignity, economic empowerment, and meaningful political participation for all citizens.
In an interview with 247 Malawi News, Kasunda described himself as a revolutionary, a nationalist, and a patriot whose worldview is shaped by indigenous knowledge and the values passed down by Malawi’s ancestors.
He said he is motivated by what he termed the ‘systemic betrayal’ of ordinary Malawians.
Kasunda pointed to widespread poverty, high youth unemployment, and persistent challenges facing farmers as some of the most urgent issues Malawi must confront.
He said he believes these problems have endured because successive leaders abandon the people once they attain power.
Said Kasunda:“Over 70 percent of our people live in abject poverty. Our youth are jobless, and farmers remain stranded despite Malawi being an agro-based economy. I have watched politicians use, abuse, and dump Malawians for years. I can’t stand this anymore.I am fighting for the dignity of our people.”
He noted that his experience as a journalist, teacher, and public servant at the Parliament of Malawi has deepened his understanding of the country’s structural challenges.
Kasunda said his mission is to place citizens at the centre of governance and ensure that political power truly rests with the people.
He said he envisions a Malawi free from corruption, hunger, ethnic division, and man-made poverty.
Kasunda said his administration would address social inequalities and guarantee that every Malawian has an equal opportunity to contribute to national development.
“I want to change the story of our people. Power belongs to them.My aspiration is to create a Malawi that prioritizes the welfare and dignity of its citizens,” he said.
He accused past and current leaders of failing to address Malawi’s challenges because they benefit from a disempowered populace.
Kasunda said his administration would be logical, tactical, and intentional, targeting root causes rather than short-term fixes.
The presidential hopeful said his strategy involves a disciplined, problem-based approach to economic development.
He stressed a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, including uncompromised lifestyle audits and strong penalties for any public officials found abusing office.
Kasunda also outlined plans to reform the education system to better prepare young people for emerging opportunities.
Additionally, he expressed interest in promoting national unity by celebrating Malawi’s cultural and historical heritage,something he believes can unlock potential in the arts, sports, and innovation.
He expressed confidence that he possesses a unique combination of grassroots understanding, professional experience, and genuine patriotism that sets him apart from other candidates.
“I am the only leader who knows who and what it means to be Malawian. I have a clean record, the strength to make tough decisions, and a heart dedicated to our people’s well-being,” he said.
Kasunda vowed to end what he described as a long-standing ‘cycle of betrayal’ and insisted that corruption would have no place in his government.
He urged Malawians to recognize the power they hold in shaping the nation’s future.
“The power to change Malawi does not lie with the person eating our taxes at Kamuzu Palace; it lies with the people,” he said.
He called on citizens who are tired of political manipulation to join his People’s Revolution, saying the 2030 elections represent a pivotal moment in which Malawians must choose between genuine freedom and continued oppression under recycled leadership.
Kasunda also underscored the importance of indigenous knowledge in national development.
Using the proverb ‘khoswe sitimuika mu mbiya ya mtedza,’ he argued that Malawi has for many years entrusted national resources to leaders with a history of mismanaging public funds.
“For how long shall we entrust our taxes, mining contracts, and our children’s future to the same old politicians? The People’s Revolution is here to guard our national coffers with integrity,” he said.
The presidential aspirant concluded by thanking Malawians for the opportunity to share his vision and expressed hope for continued engagement as the country approaches the 2030 election.
Kasunda comes Nkhotakota District.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Malawi(UNIMA ) and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Relations at Jinan University in China.