It’s time for Bembas to let a Tonga rule; Nkumbula let KK from Chinsali rule — Nevers
PASTOR Nevers Mumba, a member of the UPND Alliance, says it is time for Bembas to demonstrate the same “selflessness” shown by late nationalist leader Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula by allowing a Tonga to lead the country.
Mumba, who is also New Nation Party—NNP president, says Nkumbula, a Tonga from Bweengwa, put national unity ahead of tribe and personal ambition when he gave way to Kenneth Kaunda, a Bemba from Chinsali, to lead Zambia.
He says Bembas should now reciprocate by giving President Hakainde Hichilema, a Tonga from Bweengwa, an opportunity to continue leading the country.
“A Tonga man, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula, from Bweengwa selflessly gave way to a Bemba man, Kenneth Kaunda from Chinsali, to lead Zambia. He put the nation before tribe, personal ambition and position.
“So, why can’t I, a Bemba from Chinsali, give a chance to a Tonga HH who is from Bweengwa?
“It’s time to reciprocate in the spirit of national unity,” Mumba says.
Mumba said this on his fourth day of galvanizing votes for President Hichilema in Chinsali.
He alleged that some people were transferring their hatred for President Hichilema to the people of Chinsali by encouraging them to reject him because of his Tonga identity rather than assessing his leadership record.
Mumba urged voters not to support or reject Hichilema based on his tribe, but instead judge him on his performance.
“Let us be honest: do not vote for H.H. because he is Tonga, but do not reject him because he is Tonga. Judge him by his record,” Mumba said.
Mumba cited free education, debt restructuring, the Constituency Development Fund—CDF and road projects as some of the achievements he says should be considered by voters.
He challenged voters to consider who would deliver better results before deciding whether to change government.
“Why vote out a leader because of his tribe when you can judge him by what he has delivered?
“And then, vote for who? Who will do what?” Mumba questioned.
Mumba urged the people of Chinsali to make what he described as the right decision by voting for President Hichilema.
©TV Yatu | August 9, 2026. S