Top United Transformation Movement (UTM) officials were nowhere to be seen during the swearing-in ceremony of the new Vice President of Malawi, Dr. Michael Usi.

The event, which took place at Malawi’s Parliament, was graced by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, who was accompanied by First Lady Monica Chakwera.

UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati and others were not present during the event, but reports suggested that Kaliati was on her way to Lilongwe to attend the ceremony.

This development has raised suspicions among Malawians and political observers that all may not be well within the UTM. However, in his acceptance speech, Vice President Usi promised to hold a meeting with UTM officials to discuss the way forward for the party and to share what he has discussed with President Chakwera.

Usi, the UTM Vice President, replaces Dr. Saulos Chilima, who was killed in a plane crash alongside eight other people on June 10.