Hichilema growing cheeks at expense of voters says Sean Tembo
IMMEDIATE past Patriots for Economic Progress —PeP president Sean Tembo has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of thriving while ordinary Zambians continue to struggle with poverty.
Addressing supporters during a campaign rally in Kawambwa, Tembo expressed confidence that Brian Mundubile would emerge victorious in the August 13 general election, urging voters to rally behind the Tonse Alliance presidential candidate.
Tembo said he was convinced Mundubile would become Zambia’s next President because, in his view, the incumbent was relying too heavily on campaign advertising despite already being well known to the electorate.
“Brian Mundubile is Zambia’s next President. Ask me why I speak with so much confidence. It is because of the person he is competing with. When I was coming to Kawambwa, I was seeing too many billboards of him along the way,” Tembo said.
Tembo added: “But he [President Hakainde Hichilema] is behaving as though people don’t know him, that’s why he is putting up too many billboards. You must tell him that you know him too well but that you just don’t love him.”
Tembo went on to claim that the President appeared to be living comfortably while many citizens were facing economic hardship.
“When I saw his billboards, I looked at them closely and noticed that he has grown his cheeks. His cheeks are even shining,” he said.
He continued: “But when you look at your cheeks, you Zambians, your cheeks are sunken. When a Zambian closes his mouth today, his teeth marks show from their cheeks.”
He urged Mundubile to ensure that, if elected, improvements in citizens’ welfare would be reflected in their lives rather than in the appearance of those in leadership.
“Brian Mundubile, when you become President, make sure the cheeks that will be growing are those of the people you’re serving, not a President growing cheeks while the people he is serving are losing weight,” Tembo said.
©TV Yatu | July 8, 2026