By Larry Mweetwa
I THINK AS UPND BULELO TULABUSOBANYA, THIS CHAP HAS BEEN MAKING SEVERAL TRIBAL AND VIOLENCE INCITING COMMENTS.
The utterances attributed to Hon. Binwell Mpundu are deeply concerning and ought to be approached with the seriousness they deserve.
Political disagreement, however intense, must never be expressed in language capable of portraying another political camp particularly UPND ’s camp as inherently evil, vengeful, violent, or prepared to cause loss of life. Such characterisation is not merely politically inflammatory; depending on the precise words, context and audience, it may risk being interpreted as language that encourages hostility, intimidation or violence.
Leadership carries with it a heightened responsibility of restraint. Words spoken by public figures have consequences far beyond the immediate political contest. A statement made in anger today can become justification for confrontation tomorrow.
Hon. Binwell Mpundu should therefore exercise wisdom, moderation and considerable caution in his public utterances. Political competition must remain a contest of ideas, policies and leadership credentials not a contest of threats, fear, vengeance or inflammatory accusations.
If there are genuine allegations that any individual or political grouping intends to commit acts of violence, the responsible course is to place credible evidence before the competent law-enforcement authorities. Serious allegations involving threats to human life should never be reduced to political rhetoric or used as instruments for mobilising supporters against perceived opponents.
Zambia’s democratic space must not be poisoned by narratives that unnecessarily cast fellow citizens as enemies who must be feared or confronted. Political leaders have a duty to lower the temperature, not raise it.
The principle is simple but important: words can mobilise, words can inflame, and words can have consequences. Those who command a public audience must therefore speak with restraint, responsibility and respect for the law.
Hon. Binwell Mpundu would be well advised to reconsider the tenor of such statements and ensure that his future political discourse promotes peaceful democratic engagement rather than language capable of being understood as incitement, intimidation or the legitimisation of political violence.
No political ambition, factional disagreement or leadership contest is worth compromising Zambia’s peace.
Arrest this ka tribalist guy inciting people to k!ll.