In the vibrant political landscape of Malawi, few moments resonate as powerfully as the recent revival of three simple but profound Chichewa phrases uttered by Professor Peter Mutharika during the 2025 campaign.
These words—“Munandisowa eti?” meaning “You missed me, yea?”; “Mwakhaulatu, eeh,” or “You were in hell, right?”; and “Mudzayambira nso?” translating to “Will you do it again?”—were not just catchy slogans.
They were a piercing reminder of the hard truths that many Malawians lived through under the previous administration of Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and his Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
To fully appreciate the weight of these words, we must rewind to 2020.
That year marked a political turning point in Malawi. Chakwera, riding on a wave of hope, formed a coalition with the United Transformation Movement (UTM) and other smaller parties to unseat Mutharika.
The people’s voice was clear, and Mutharika, a seasoned leader and statesman, accepted the verdict with dignity and respect. He did not cling to power; instead, he honored the democratic process, setting a standard for leadership that transcended personal ambition.
The country, hopeful and eager for change, placed its trust in Chakwera’s hands.
However, the five-year tenure of Chakwera’s government soon revealed an unpleasant reality. The nation’s experience under his rule became reminiscent of the Israelites’ suffering in Egypt—a period marked by hardship, struggle, and unfulfilled promises.
The pain and frustration felt by Malawians grew so intense that the collective cry reached back to Mutharika, the very leader they had once voted out. It was a cry for relief, for stability, for a return to governance that could deliver tangible improvements in their daily lives.
Mutharika’s campaign words echoed this sentiment with uncanny precision. “Munandisowa eti?” was not just a question; it was an invitation to remember the stability and progress Malawi had under his leadership. “Mwakhaulatu, eeh” struck a chord about the harsh realities endured in recent years—high prices, fuel shortages, and economic struggles that drained the spirit of the people.
Finally, “Mudzayambira nso?” served as both a warning and a challenge: would the people be willing to endure such hardship again? The answer was a resounding no.
The hard truth is that Mutharika, who had remained attentive from the sidelines, heard the mourning and gnashing of teeth across Malawi. His return to leadership has been marked by swift and positive changes.
Reports from his ministers reveal an administration committed to restoring economic stability and improving the welfare of the people. The rains, vital for Malawi’s agriculture, have come generously, promising good harvests and food security.
Prices of essential goods have dropped significantly—where a bag of maize once soared to K90,000 under Chakwera’s watch, it now ranges between K50,000 and K65,000, easing the burden on households. Fuel, previously a scarce and precious resource, is now abundantly available, allowing businesses and daily life to function smoothly and efficiently.
These are not mere statistics; they are the lived realities of Malawians who have experienced the difference that effective governance can make.
The hard truth is that Mutharika’s leadership brought back hope and stability when the nation was teetering on the edge of despair. His ability to listen, respond, and act decisively is what saved Malawi from descending further into economic and social turmoil.
Mutharika deserves praise for his resilience and dedication. He did not let past setbacks define him. Instead, he used them as fuel to reignite Malawi’s progress.
His leadership style, grounded in respect for the people’s voice and an unyielding commitment to national development, has restored confidence not only within Malawi but also among international partners who see a country ready to move forward.
Malawi must not return to the “hell” of economic mismanagement and political instability. The echoes of suffering under Chakwera’s rule serve as a stark warning of what happens when governance fails the people.
The nation’s collective memory is a powerful force, and the electorate’s decision to bring Mutharika back into power reflects a clear mandate for change—one that prioritizes the well-being of all Malawians.
At the same time, the new government has a solemn duty: to root out corruption and hold accountable those who illicitly enriched themselves at the expense of the nation. The money stolen from Malawians is not just a loss of funds; it is a betrayal of trust and a setback to the country’s development.
This column has previously highlighted the scourge of embezzlement during the MCP era, issuing a warning that once the DPP-led government regained power, justice would be swift and impartial. This is not political witch-hunting; it is a necessary step to reclaim the people’s money and restore integrity to public service.
The DPP government must therefore pursue these investigations vigorously, ensuring that no one, regardless of position, is above the law.
Malawians deserve transparency and accountability, and only through these principles can trust in government be rebuilt.
The fight against corruption is a fight for the nation’s future, and Mutharika’s administration has the opportunity—and the responsibility—to lead by example.
The three powerful words that resonated throughout Malawi during the 2025 campaign were more than political rhetoric.
They were the embodiment of a hard truth—a truth that saved the nation from further decline. Professor Peter Mutharika’s return to power has brought renewed hope, economic relief, and a promise of justice.
Malawi must embrace this moment and support a government committed to lifting the country out of hardship and into a future where prosperity and dignity are within reach for all.
Malawi has seen the depths of despair; it has heard the cries of its people.
Now, with Mutharika at the helm, it must move forward with determination, never again allowing itself to slip back into the darkness of economic “Egypt.” The hard truth is clear, and it is a beacon guiding Malawi toward a brighter tomorrow.
