NRPUP candidate dies

An Aspiring Ward Councillor for Nachikufu Ward in Mpika South Constituency in Mpika district has died inside a polling station, after casting his vote. Kayela Silomba who was standing for the National Restoration Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) collapsed inside the polling…

An Aspiring Ward Councillor for Nachikufu Ward in Mpika South Constituency in Mpika district has died inside a polling station, after casting his vote.

Kayela Silomba who was standing for the National Restoration Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) collapsed inside the polling station.

NRPUP Aspiring Member of Parliament for Mpika South Constituency, Premos Chilumba has confirmed the sad development to the Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) in Mpika today.

Mr Chilumba said Silomba collapsed inside Chilonga polling station at around 10:00 hours today, shortly after casting his vote.

He said Mr Silomba was rushed to Chilonga General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“I personally rushed Mr Silomba to the general hospital after he collapsed,” he said.

Mr Chilumba said Silomba appeared to be in good health at around 06:00 hours today and had earlier gone around monitoring the conduct of elections in his ward.

Meanwhile, Chilonga General Hospital Sister Administrator Grace Chileshe confirmed that Mr Silomba’s body had been deposited in the hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem.

Sister Chileshe said Mr Silomba died at the age of 48.

She said the family would be informed once the postmortem results were available.

Meanwhile, members of the community spoken to by ZANIS have received news of Mr Silomba’s death with shock and disbelief.

James Bwalya, a prominent businessman in the area, described Mr Silomba as a dedicated leader who served as Nachikufu Ward Councillor before the 2021 General Elections in Mpika.

“We have lost a dedicated leader,” he said.