143 Views President Hakainde Hichilema has accused former United Party for National Development (UPND) legislator for Mazabuka Central Gary Nkombo is working with Brian Mundubile. Hichilema’s sentiments comes at the time the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential candidate Mundubile is gathering momentum attracting crowds everywhere he goes. “Garry Nkombo started fighting me […]

143 Views

President Hakainde Hichilema has accused former United Party for National Development (UPND) legislator for Mazabuka Central Gary Nkombo is working with Brian Mundubile.

Hichilema’s sentiments comes at the time the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity presidential candidate Mundubile is gathering momentum attracting crowds everywhere he goes.

“Garry Nkombo started fighting me a long time ago. Even when we were in opposition, when PF officials would beat me up and try to kill me, I would see Gary Nkombo drinking alcohol with the same PF officials who were attacking me,” said President Hichilema in Mazabuka.

Hichilema also accused Nkombo of not supporting the participation of people with disabilities in Parliament, as tensions rise in the constituency ahead of the August 13 polls.

The remarks come at a time when Nkombo is contesting the Mazabuka parliamentary seat as an independent candidate, after falling out with the party during candidate adoption.

The development has created tension in the district, which has traditionally been a UPND stronghold.

Speaking during a rally in Mazabuka, Hichilema urged the citizens to vote for him and his candidates saying if they won’t vote for his adopted candidates then they would have rejected him as well.

Speaking during a rally on Thursday as part of his Southern Province tour, President Hichilema said the UPND government remains committed to inclusive representation.

The President’s reception in Mazabuka and the tone of his address has been closely watched for signs of how the party intends to handle internal rifts while trying to retain the seat.

Earlier on he addressed another rally at Boom Grounds in Chirundu, where marketeers, youth groups, and women’s organisations were among those who turned up hours early to catch a glimpse of the President.

The Southern Province tour is part of a broader national campaign push by the UPND as the August 13 polls approach. The party is seeking to defend its seats in the province while making inroads in other regions.