“I CAN’T BE BOUGHT OR SOLD” – IRIS
….As she claims that HH offered her appointment to withdraw from Mwandi race
Independent parliamentary candidate for Mwandi, Iris Kaingu, has alleged that President Hakainde Hichilema personally asked her to withdraw her candidature in exchange for a future government appointment, saying she rejected the offer because of her commitment to the people of Mwandi
Addressing the nation in a video statement, Kaingu said the President had called her two months earlier and later referred to their conversation publicly. She said her position had not changed.
“My answer has not changed. My answer is still no,” Kaingu said
She further alleged that she was promised a government appointment and a role on the ruling party’s national mobilisation team if she withdrew from the race.
“You gave me a guarantee that should I withdraw my candidature… you would include me in the people that will be appointed because I’m a youth and because I’m a woman. You guaranteed that I should join the national mobilisation team,” she said.
Kaingu said she turned down what she described as a “very, very tempting offer,” insisting that leadership is about serving people rather than pursuing personal gain.
“I seek this office because of servitude. I want to be the leader that my people expect me to be, not one person that can be bought or sold,” she said.
Explaining her decision, Kaingu cited the living conditions in Mwandi, saying she could not abandon residents who continue to face serious challenges.
“For as long as the people of Mwandi consume this calibre of water, Mr. President, I say no to your offer,” she said.
She also highlighted poor access to education and healthcare.
“For as long as the children are walking more than 20 kilometres to school, Mr. President, I say no. The women in Mwandi are giving birth in oxcarts on their way to the hospital,” she added.
Kaingu argued that Mwandi deserves dedicated representation and criticised what she described as politics centred on personalities instead of development.
“The people of Mwandi need a representative, somebody to fight for them, somebody to speak on their behalf,” she said.
She further called on leaders to focus on fulfilling campaign promises rather than making new ones.
“We expected you to come to Western Province, talk about the promises that you had made in 2021 that you have failed to fulfil, not come to us and make fresh promises,” she said.
Kaingu also questioned the country’s economic progress, saying official economic indicators had not translated into improved living conditions.
“It doesn’t make economic sense to have a single-digit inflation rate but the cost of living is still very high. We have to move away from an economy of spreadsheets. It’s not translated,” she said.
©️ Kumwesu | July 31, 2026
But you lost badly in 2021 on a different ticket that is why you went to the UPND seeking to ride on their very popular ticket. But clever as they are, the UPND unmasked you and found the real Iris behind. WE SHALL SEE!
Brazen talk by Iris Kaingu, as if she has already won.
That is what you get when you engage someone beneath your station in life.
Exactly…
Kkkkkkk….yaba…honestly abaa…teti ine.
This is why independent candidates are withdrawing all over and this is exactly why they wanted so desperately to pass bill 7. It is now working for them as planned.
Please understand the principles of a Party to have Party Members. As a party, they wanted to feature the best who can win them elections. Iris Kainga apparently lost in 2021 to the same person she wanted to replace. From the party’s perspective, that is arrogance.
This has nothing to do with Bill 7. In fact, the President was doing a favour to Kainga.
Iris Kaingu, I respectfully disagree with your assertions. When President Hakainde Hichilema encourages former UPND members who intend to contest as independent candidates to reconsider, it can be viewed as an effort to promote party unity and cohesion rather than something negative.
Politics is just one of many avenues through which citizens can contribute to Zambia’s development. There are numerous other ways to serve the nation and make a meaningful impact.
There have also been claims by some candidates that they are being persuaded to withdraw in exchange for political appointments or other incentives. Unless such allegations are supported by credible evidence, it is important to avoid presenting them as facts. Speculation and unverified claims can easily create unnecessary mistrust and confusion.
At times, patience and restraint are valuable in public discourse. Political leadership also requires experience, careful judgment, and responsible communication. I encourage Iris Kaingu to engage in politics constructively while ensuring that public statements are evidence-based and contribute positively to national dialogue.