By Burnett Munthali

Patricia Kaliati, Secretary General of the United Transformation Movement (UTM), has criticized State Vice President Dr. Michael Usi for addressing internal UTM issues through social media. This reaction follows Usi's recent declaration at his home village, where he announced he is now the UTM president following the death of Saulos Chilima and that he plans to meet with Kaliati to schedule a national executive committee (NEC) meeting.

Usi emphasized that he is the legitimate president of UTM according to the party’s constitution and that he will collaborate with Kaliati to set the agenda for the NEC meeting, which she is responsible for communicating.

In response, Kaliati expressed frustration that Usi’s use of social media complicates her ability to provide an official response, noting that internal communications were previously handled more formally. Additionally, Kaliati and other top UTM officials recently declared their withdrawal from the alliance with the Malawi Congress Party (MCP).