Imagine a country where the president is ousted by a court ruling, only to return to power five years later. This is the astonishing story of Peter Mutharika, the 85-year-old professor who has beaten fraud allegations to become Malawi's president once again. But here's where it gets controversial: Mutharika's record is marred by corruption allegations and a dubious past, leaving many to wonder if he's truly the savior Malawi needs. As we delve into the life and times of this complex figure, you'll be asking yourself: can a man with such a checkered past really bring prosperity back to Malawi? Let's take a closer look. Born in 1940 in the tea-growing region of Thyolo, Mutharika was raised by two teachers and developed a passion for education. He attended Dedza Secondary School, a breeding ground for notable politicians, and later studied law at the prestigious Yale University in the US. Mutharika's academic career spanned decades, with stints at universities in the US, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia. But it wasn't until 2004, when his older brother Bingu became Malawi's president, that Mutharika pivoted to politics. He returned home to serve as an adviser to the new president and was later elected as an MP for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Mutharika's rise to power was relatively smooth, but tensions emerged in 2010 when his brother planned to name him as the DPP's presidential candidate for the 2014 elections. Many saw this as blatant nepotism, and the succession plans were abruptly interrupted when Bingu died in 2012. A power struggle ensued, with Mutharika's supporters trying to install him as leader in defiance of the constitution. But ultimately, it was Joyce Banda, the vice-president, who prevailed and became Malawi's first female president. Mutharika was charged with treason, but the charges were dropped after he was elected president in 2014. During his first term, Mutharika secured billions of dollars in Chinese loans to revamp Malawi's infrastructure, and inflation dropped significantly. However, his tenure was also marked by blackouts, food shortages, and corruption scandals. In 2018, Malawi's anti-corruption agency accused Mutharika of receiving a kickback from a contract to supply food to the police. He was later cleared of any wrongdoing, but the allegations have left a lasting stain on his reputation. Mutharika's defense of himself as a proponent of the fight against corruption and extravagance has been met with skepticism by many. And this is the part most people miss: despite his claims of being a champion of transparency, Mutharika has been accused of using his power to silence critics and undermine the rule of law. But here's the thing: Mutharika's supporters say he's the only one who can save Malawi from its current economic woes. Since he left office, inflation has soared past 30%, and many Malawians have been pushed into extreme poverty. During his campaign speeches, Mutharika asked the public if they missed him, and if they had suffered under his rival's leadership. The answer, it seems, is yes. Voters have put their trust in him once again, despite concerns about his health and stamina at the age of 85. As Mutharika returns to power, the nation will be watching closely to see if he can deliver on his promises. Will he be able to revive Malawi's economy and restore prosperity to its people? Or will his past mistakes come back to haunt him? The debate is on, and we want to hear from you: do you think Mutharika is the right man for the job, or is he a relic of the past? Share your thoughts in the comments below. For more on Malawi's elections and the challenges facing the country, check out our related stories: What is at stake in Malawi's elections? Malawi - where the petrol queue might overshadow the queue to vote Joyce Banda - Malawi's first female president Banana wine brings sweet taste of success to Malawi farmers 'I tell my children not to play so we save money on soap' And don't forget to tune in to our BBC Africa podcasts for in-depth analysis and discussion on the issues that matter most to you.
