Dr. Mathews Mtumbuka has thrown his hat into the ring for UTM’s presidential candidacy with boldness and ambition, showcasing energy and determination to propel the party forward. His intellectual leadership is undeniable, offering UTM a strategic advantage if he assumes leadership. His potential to forge crucial alliances could preserve UTM’s place in government, a stark contrast to Patricia Kaliati’s often emotional outbursts that have led the party astray.
However, Mtumbuka’s launch raised serious concerns about his ability to mobilize supporters. Opting for the grand BICC auditorium, which ended up hosting fewer than 20 people, cast a shadow over his leadership debut. The empty seats painted a dismal picture, raising doubts about his crowd-pulling skills and sense of political optics. If he anticipated a large turnout, he grossly miscalculated; if he knew the audience would be small, his choice of venue was baffling.
Politics is about perception, and while Mtumbuka’s rhetoric may be sharp, his ability to rally the masses remains questionable. He must take a page from Saulos Chilima’s playbook on people mobilization if he is to rise to that level of political influence. However, should Mtumbuka hone this vital skill, he could become a formidable force. A future alliance with President Chakwera could deal a crushing blow to Mutharika’s DPP, sinking it deeper into opposition.
