. Kaunda

By JULIUS PHIRI –
KU’MAWA for Edgar Lungu 2016(KEL2016) team leader Panji Kaunda has asked Sinda independent parliamentary candidate Masautso Tembo to stop politics of deceit by telling people that his candidature has the blessings of President Edgar Lungu.
But Mr Tembo said he was perturbed by Colonel Kaunda’s sentiments and accused him of being ungrateful to the people of Sinda constituency.
In a statement yesterday, Col Kaunda who is Home Affairs deputy Minister said the person the Patriotic Front (PF) picked to be its candidate was Gladys Banda because she was the one who was given the adoption certificate.
“Therefore any person claiming that they have been sent by the President must show proof and for a person aspiring to be a law maker he must tell the truth to the people,” he said.
Col Kaunda said using the PF chitenge material by an independent candidate was illegal and was a matter that could have Mr Tembo disqualified if the case was reported to the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) because it was causing confusion among the electorate.
He said the day Mr Tembo identified himself as an independent candidate he ceased to be a believer in the PF ideals.
Col Kaunda, who is currently campaigning in Sinda, said Mr Tembo was not special because a number of people who wanted to stand on the PF ticket and were not adopted but have now rallied behind the candidature of Ms Banda.
“As for the PF leadership in the district, please ensure you support the candidates the party has adopted and if you don’t agree with that decision simply resign and give room to those that are
willing to support President Lungu’sprogrammes. It is unfair for you to side with an independent candidate in telling lies to the people, “he said.
He said President Lungu had made it clear that while he appreciated the gesture from independents they should not use PF regalia for their campaigns.
Col Kaunda said voting for the opposition or an independent Member of Parliament (MP), could not help solve the problems the community in Sinda was facing because it would be difficult for Government to work with the people outside the PF.
But when contacted for a comment, Mr Tembo said his decision to stand as an independent was the way to go because the people were looking for his service as an MP.
He said he had not told the people of Sinda that he had had the blessings of the President but that he was campaigning for President Lungu.
“The common enemy in Sinda is Levy Ngoma who is campaigning for Hakainde Hichilema of the UPND but for me,I will continue campaigning for President Lungu,” he said.