Citizens First [CF] strongly condemns* the unconstitutional and cowardly act by the Zambia Police Service in *Nakonde, Muchinga Province today.
Armed police officers wielding AK-47 assault rifles blocked President Harry Kalaba from addressing a scheduled campaign rally and meeting the people of Nakonde.
This happened despite all due notices being given to the police in line with the Public Order Act.
WHERE IS OUR DEMOCRACY?
After spending 20 years promoting democracy, good governance and human rights through the Foundation for Democratic Process, I never thought in my lifetime I would witness police with assault rifles being used to silence opposition voices.
We did not fight for independence so that we could be ruled by fear.
We did not fight for multiparty democracy so that only one party can campaign.
What happened in Nakonde today is a shame to our democracy.
THE FACTS:
1. CF followed the law. Notice was submitted. Venue was booked.
2. Police chose politics over the Constitution.They arrived with AK-47s not to protect citizens, but to intimidate them.
3. This is a clear plan to block CF from reaching the people of Muchinga Province.They know that when President Kalaba speaks, the people listen.
CF DEMANDS:
1. The Inspector General of Police must immediately investigate and discipline the officers involved in Nakonde.
2. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security must ensure the police stop being used as a political tool and issue a directive for free campaigning.
3. The Electoral Commission of Zambia must guarantee that all political parties have equal access to the people ahead of 13 August 2026.
4. Unconditional apology to the people of Nakonde and to President Harry Kalaba.
OUR MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF NAKONDE AND MUCHINGA:
Do not be afraid. Do not be intimidated.
A government that fears dialogue and uses guns against its own people has already lost.
CF will return to Nakonde. CF will address the people. CF will win Muchinga on 13 August.
Guns cannot vote. The people will vote.
Stanley Mhango
Presidential Campaign Manager & National Spokesperson*
Citizens First [CF]
—