Blantyre, Malawi — Malawi’s political chessboard just got messier, funnier—and a whole lot more dangerous. A new party with an unforgettable name, Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu (loosely meaning “One who eats what is theirs is not guilty”) has officially been registered as a political party. As of May 30th, it’s no longer a joke or a slogan—it’s a fully legal political machine with one mission: to disrupt the status quo.
And guess who’s behind the wheel? Vice President Dr. Michael Usi. Yes, the same man known for mixing humour, activism, and unapologetic charm. Now he’s leading a political party whose name sounds more like a courtroom defense than a party manifesto—but make no mistake, this is serious business.
The party’s Secretary General, Happy Kondowe, couldn’t hide his joy. He thanked everyone who helped push the paperwork through, calling the registration a “milestone.” And indeed it is—because with Usi at the helm, this new party might not be just another failed political experiment. It could be a kingmaker.
Politically, this is a smart and calculated move. Sources close to Usi suggest he’s not aiming to go solo in the 2025 presidential race. Instead, he’s positioning Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu as a strategic partner to the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP). With President Lazarus Chakwera needing to secure over 50% of the vote in the first round to avoid a runoff, every alliance counts.
And here comes the juicy part: Usi could be Chakwera’s running mate again. That would leave other hopefuls— the fading UDF of Atupele Muluzi, and even Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara—either begging for scraps or sulking in the shadows.
Insiders say Gotani Hara lacks political magnetism but keeps landing in top spots anyway (lucky? strategic? who knows?). There’s also a popular northern minister whose name sparks joy in voters—but fury within MCP ranks. So yes, the vice presidency is up for grabs, and the backstage drama is worthy of a Netflix series.
What’s certain is that between July 1–5, 2025, President Chakwera must make his pick. The Malawi Electoral Commission has spoken. The clock is ticking.
And with Odya Zake Alibe Mlandu now officially in the game, nothing—absolutely nothing—is off the table.
