231 Views Former Local Government Minister and Mazabuka lawmaker Gary Nkombo has lamented being sidelined saying he was dumped a long time ago. Speaking at a public gathering in Mazabuka last evening, Nkombo said he had been accused of wrongdoings he doesn’t even know. “I never thought a day like this would ever come… my […]

231 Views

Former Local Government Minister and Mazabuka lawmaker Gary Nkombo has lamented being sidelined saying he was dumped a long time ago.

Speaking at a public gathering in Mazabuka last evening, Nkombo said he had been accused of wrongdoings he doesn’t even know.

“I never thought a day like this would ever come… my colleagues put me aside a long time ago.

“I am ready to work for you [as independent], but will you vote for me?

“I have been accused of many things, including the ones I know nothing about. You, the people, can defend me!” he told the crowd.

This was after the party to which he belongs, the United Party For National Development (UPND) adopted another candidate in his place for the parliamentary seat.

Noticing this, Nkombo had to avoid the whole adoption process.

He has since filed his nomination papers as an independent candidate for the same constituency.

However, the process was marred by violence as he was man-handled by suspected ruling party cadres who tried to bar him.

Nkombo has since been admitted to Mazabuka General Hospital after the attack.

According to available information, Nkombo was allegedly attacked during the nomination process, leaving him with bruises on his left arm and high blood pressure.

The attack on Nkombo has since sparked concern among supporters and residents over escalating political violence ahead of the August 13 general elections.

Zambia Must Prosper president Kelvin Bwalya Fube has also condemned the attack on Nkombo.

He writes:

I have come across a very disturbing video involving former Mazabuka Member of Parliament Hon. Garry Nkombo being harassed and victimized by some youths As he was filling in his nomination to stand as an independent.

Such actions are unfortunate and unacceptable in a democratic society.

As Zambia Must Prosper we condemn this barbaric and Criminal act and we call upon law enforcement agencies to arrest those culprits.

We understand that elections come with excitement, emotions, and political competition.

However, I want to strongly advise our youths not to allow themselves to be used for unlawful activities or political violence.

The future of this country is in your hands. As we continue fighting for the greatness and prosperity of Zambia, let us do so peacefully, responsibly, and within the confines of the law.

Together, we can build a united and prosperous Zambia.

𝗞𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝘂𝗯𝗲 𝗕𝘄𝗮𝗹𝘆𝗮 – 𝗞𝗕𝗙

𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗭𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗶𝗮 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗿

In May 2025, President Hakainde Hichilema dismissed Nkombo from his role as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development. The official announcement did not provide detailed reasons, but the move was widely covered as part of a cabinet reshuffle.

By March 2026, the UPND formally removed him from its National Management Committee (NMC) and stripped him of his role as head of elections. Reports linked this to internal disagreements, including his stance during debates on constitutional amendments, though Nkombo himself has publicly denied wrongdoing.

This is the first public show of his fall out with the ruling party, which he says he is still a part of.

It is yet to be seen whether he will proceed with contesting the seat as an independent candidate.