Hichilema rejects Mpundu’s ‘ready to kill election’ threat: Says no citizen should die or kill for a vote

92 ViewsPresident Hakainde Hichilema has condemned remarks by National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential affairs chairperson Binwell Mpundu that he was ready to die and ready to kill ahead of the August 13 polls, saying such language has no place in Zambia’s democracy. Posting on his official social media handle, President Hichilema highlighted […]

92 Views

President Hichilema

President Hakainde Hichilema has condemned remarks by National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential affairs chairperson Binwell Mpundu that he was ready to die and ready to kill ahead of the August 13 polls, saying such language has no place in Zambia’s democracy.

Posting on his official social media handle, President Hichilema highlighted that elections must be won through ideas and the ballot, not through threats or violence.

“No citizen should die for an election. No citizen should kill for an election. We choose peace,” he said.

His statement comes after Mpundu admitted making a video recording in which he is heard saying he was “ready to die” and “prepared to kill” to ensure victory for his side in the upcoming elections.

The video has been widely circulated on WhatsApp, Facebook and TikTok since the weekend and shows Mpundu making the vow.

Mpundu, a former Nkana Member of Parliament, has not disputed the authenticity of the clip. He said he made the remarks with intention to show commitment ahead of polling day.

Police have since opened investigations into the matter.

Police Spokesperson Godfrey Chilabi said on Sun FM TV’s Zambia Decides that the Service is actively examining and verifying the video to establish its authenticity, context, and exact wording.

“The Zambia Police Service is aware of the video circulating on social media attributed to Mr. Binwell Mpundu. Our technical team is examining the content to verify it. We are taking a keen interest because such utterances have the potential to incite violence and disturb public order, especially at this time when the country is preparing for elections,” Chilabi said.

President Hichilema’s reaction adds the weight of the presidency to growing calls for restraint as Zambia enters the final days of campaigning.

With voting set for Thursday, August 13, 2026, government, church leaders, traditional authorities and civil society have all urged political players to tone down rhetoric.

Viewed from a legal eye, statements that advocate violence can fall under provisions of the Penal Code relating to incitement and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

The President’s message of “we choose peace” mirrors sentiments he has made in previous elections, where he has appealed to Zambians to protect the country’s reputation for peaceful transfers of power. Zambia has held six peaceful presidential transitions since 1991, a record often cited in the region.

Church leaders issued a joint statement on Monday urging all candidates and their supporters to avoid language that can trigger tension. Several bishops said the pulpit will be used this week to preach unity and to remind citizens that no political office is worth bloodshed.

Traditional leaders, especially in the Copperbelt where Mpundu served as MP for Nkana, have also called on youths not to be used to cause violence. Chiefs said they expect political parties to discipline cadres and to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct.

The Electoral Commission of Zambia has reminded parties that violations of the Code can attract sanctions, including referral for prosecution. ECZ officials say logistical arrangements for Thursday’s vote are at an advanced stage and that polling staff are receiving final briefings.

Political analysts say the timing of Mpundu’s remarks is problematic because campaigns are due to close on Wednesday. They argue that leaders have a responsibility to de-escalate rather than inflame the environment.

On social media, reactions to President Hichilema’s post have been mixed but many commenters supported the call for peace. Some urged that the law be applied equally, regardless of party affiliation.

President Hichilema did not name any other individuals in his post and kept the message focused on the principle that elections are a democratic contest, not a war.

As the nation counts down to polling day, the President’s words set the tone for what authorities hope will be a calm and orderly election. For many Zambians, the handling of the Mpundu case will be seen as a test of whether institutions can hold influential figures accountable while protecting civic space.

With just days to go, the appeal from State House is simple. Go and vote, respect the outcome, and remember that Zambia is bigger than any party or any individual.