The Professor Who Beat Fraud Allegations to Become Malawi’s President…Again

At 85, Peter Mutharika stages a political comeback after dramatic court ouster five years ago

Just five years after being unseated by a landmark court ruling, Peter Mutharika is set to return as president of Malawi.

The 85-year-old, who first led the country from 2014 to 2020, triumphed in last week’s general election, ousting his long-time rival Lazarus Chakwera.

Mutharika’s campaign leaned on a simple message: life was better under his leadership. With Malawi enduring one of its worst economic crises under Chakwera, the pitch resonated with voters many of whom even backed him in opposition strongholds like Lilongwe.

From Law Scholar to Politician

Born in 1940 in Thyolo, Mutharika grew up in a family of teachers and went on to study law at Yale University. He built an academic career as a professor of international law and justice, teaching at universities across the US, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia.

Politics came later, in 2004, when his older brother Bingu wa Mutharika became president. Peter served as adviser, MP, and cabinet minister before being groomed as his brother’s successor.

But when Bingu died in 2012, a constitutional crisis erupted. Vice-President Joyce Banda prevailed in the power struggle, while Mutharika faced treason charges accused of plotting to hide his brother’s death. The case collapsed, and by 2014 he was president.

First Term: Gains and Scandals

Mutharika’s early years in office saw infrastructure expansion funded by Chinese loans and a dramatic drop in inflation from 24% to single digits.

But his tenure was also marred by blackouts, food shortages, and corruption allegations. In 2018, he was accused of receiving kickbacks in a police food contract, though he was later cleared.

Omega Tv UK celebrates ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY, we wish to thank all our viewers for helping us reach this milestone.

Happy 1st anniversary to Omega TV UK!.

The defining blow came in 2019, when his re-election was annulled by the Constitutional Court over vote tampering. Judges ordered a fresh vote, and Chakwera won in a landslide.

The Unlikely Comeback

Despite hinting at retirement, Mutharika re-entered the race this year, saying his supporters had urged him to “save the country” from Chakwera’s leadership.

His age and health concerns sparked speculation, but his message of economic stability struck a chord in a nation battered by inflation topping 30%, droughts, and Cyclone Freddy.

At rallies, Mutharika teased voters in Chichewa: “Munandisowa eti? Mwakhaula eti?” (“You miss me, right? You have suffered, right?”).

Voters answered with a resounding yes.

Reserved but Determined

Described as studious and reserved, Mutharika is more comfortable with books than rallies. He has three children from his first marriage, and in 2014 married Gertrude Maseko, a former MP.

Now, as he prepares to reclaim the presidential palace, the stakes are higher than ever. Malawians are watching closely to see if the professor-turned-president can deliver on his promise to bring back “better days.”

About The Author