Tagged:

Comedian-Turned-Politician Sworn In as Malawi's New VP

President Lazarus Chakwera has appointed Michael Usi as his Vice President. Former vice president Saulos Chilima and nine others were killed when the military plane they were traveling in crashed in a forest on June 10. 

The 55-year-old previously served as minister of natural resources and climate change and was a close ally of Chilima after having served as his running mate. He promised to honour his predecessor's memory and thanked President Lazarus Chakwera for believing in him as he took up his position as vice president in the power-sharing government.

His appointment has undoubtedly caused division among Malawians. Some people have taken to social media to share clips of his acting career and express doubts about his ability to fulfill the responsibilities associated with such a high-ranking position. The comedian-turned-politician is popularly known as Manganya, the name of a mischievous character he still plays in the popular TV sitcom Tikuferanji.

InFocus

Michael Usi/Facebook

Michael Usi was sworn in as Malawi's Vice-President.

Follow AllAfrica

AllAfrica publishes around 600 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.