🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Mundubile Claims Plot to Arrest Him on Return to Lusaka

Brian Mundubile has issued a public statement alleging that state agents, working with unnamed individuals, are planning to have him arrested upon his return to Lusaka on Friday, January 16.

In a statement released from Kasama on January 15, Mundubile said his team had intercepted what he described as “credible information” pointing to a plan to lodge a complaint against him at Woodlands Police Station. The alleged complaint, he said, would accuse him of involvement in a land matter in which the Patriotic Front was previously an interested party.

“These known individuals have been paid and instructed to file a complaint against me… as part of a grand scheme to derail the momentum that our Movement is enjoying across the nation,” Mundubile said.

He dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, arguing that the move was intended to disrupt the growing profile of the BM8 Movement. At the same time, he appealed to his supporters to remain calm should any action be taken against him.

“As much as these allegations are baseless, I consider it my duty to alert supporters of our movement and appeal for calm in an event that this evil plan is executed,” he said.

Mundubile stated that he would cooperate with law enforcement if summoned, but stressed that he would insist on due process and the protection of his constitutional rights.

“I am a law-abiding citizen with an impeccable record in public service,” he added, saying he would not be distracted by what he termed mudslinging.

He said his team would continue to update the public as the situation develops.

© The People’s Brief | Goran Handya

PUBLIC STATEMENT ISSUED BY HON. BRIAN MUNDUBILE, MP

Kasama/January 15th 2026-I wish to inform supporters of the BM8 Movement and the rest of the nation that our team has intercepted credible information of a plan hatched by State agents in collusion with some known elements to have me arrested tomorrow, Friday, January 16th 2026 upon my return to Lusaka.

These known individuals have been paid and instructed to file a Complaint against me at Woodlands Police Station on allegations that I played a role in a land matter in which the Patriotic Front was an interested party. I am aware that this is part of a grand scheme to derail the momentum that our Movement is enjoying across the nation as we move to restore Zambia to normalcy.

As much as these allegations are baseless, I consider it my duty to alert supporters of our movement and appeal for calm in an event that this evil plan is executed. I plan to cooperate with law enforcement agencies if called upon but will also insist that my fundamentals rights and freedoms are protected and the due process followed.

I am a law abiding citizen with an impeccable record in public service and no amount of mudslinging will push my eyes off the ball.

My team will keep updating the nation on any new developments.

CHABINGA SWITCHES TO UPND, ENDORSES HICHILEMA

PATRIOTIC Front faction leader Robert Chabinga has joined the United Party for National Development (UPND) alliance and has endorsed President Hakainde Hichilema ahead of the August 13 General Elections.

Mr Chabinga said the ruling UPND was the only credible party capable of meeting the developmental needs of Zambians.

Speaking in a walk-in interview, Mr Chabinga stressed that he has decided to endorse President Hichilema because of the good leadership the Head of State has exhibited since assuming office in 2021.

The PF faction leader said the deeply-rooted wrangles in the former ruling party have prompted him to join the UPND alliance.

He said the wrangles that have rocked the PF have made the former ruling party uninspiring.

He noted that President Hichilema meant well for the country and deserved to be given another five-year mandate to continue presiding over national affairs.

Mr Chabinga said he was a man who believed in continuity and urged other opposition leaders to rally behind President Hichilema as the country heads towards this year’s elections.

Zanis

CHAWAMA BY-ELECTION SEEN AS TEST OF POLITICAL MATURITY, AS JERE HAILS PRESIDENTIAL RESTRAINT

Political analyst and lawyer Dickson Jere has described the Chawama parliamentary by-election taking place today as a positive indicator for Zambia’s democratic growth ahead of the August General Election, saying the process has reflected notable progress in political conduct.

Mr. Jere said the by-election outcome, regardless of who emerges victorious, would not undermine the gains made in the country’s political environment, noting that the campaigns had been conducted in a peaceful manner.

He observed that, unlike the 2001 Chawama by-election which was marred by violence, the 2026 contest had stood out as “one of the most peaceful in recent history.”

He noted that political parties freely conducted roadshows and interacted without incidents, stating that there were no reports of vehicles being damaged by rival groups.

Mr. Jere said the conduct of parties, particularly the ruling UPND, deserved praise, adding that such an environment would encourage more women and credible candidates to participate in future elections.

“This is the kind of politics Zambians have always wanted,” he said, commending the electorate of Chawama for upholding peace.

Mr. Jere further praised the Zambia Police for professional conduct during the campaign period.

He said police officers provided security to all parties and did not cancel opposition meetings under the guise of protection.

According to Mr. Jere, the police had demonstrated similar professionalism recently during the appearance of Lusaka Archbishop Dr. Alick Banda at the Drug Enforcement Commission.

“The police did a professional job and deserve commendation,” he said.

Commenting on President Hakainde Hichilema’s approach to parliamentary by-elections, Mr. Jere said the Head of State had taken a commendable step by staying away from most by-elections and allowing party functionaries to campaign.

“He has recently stayed away from parliamentary by-elections after he campaigned in Kabwata, Kabushi and Kwacha. The rest of the by-elections (Kawambwa, Pambashe, Lumezi, Petauke, Mfuwe, Chawama), he has allowed his party functionaries to do the work. This is commendable. He is probably one of the first Presidents to stay away from parliamentary by elections. This allows fair play.”

He noted that this had helped to create a fair playing field, as presidential visits often lead to heightened security that can restrict opposition activities.

“The President is for all the people, including the MP elected regardless of party,” Mr. Jere said, adding that the approach differed appropriately from general elections where the President would be a candidate.

Meanwhile, Mr. Jere wished the people of Chawama peaceful voting and called for the best candidate to win.

However, he questioned why by-elections in rural areas often experience violence, wondering whether such disturbances were caused by cadres imported from urban centres.

“Rural people are generally peaceful, yet by-elections there are frequently marked by skirmishes,” he observed, calling for reflection on the issue as the country moves toward the general elections.

BILL 7 CANNOT BE CHALLENGED AFTER ASSENT – AG

The State has argued that after the Constitution Amendment Bill No. 7 was assented into law on 18th December 2025, no State organ or forum can challenge or question its validity.

This is in a matter in which lawyer Makebi Zulu has petitioned the Constitutional Court, seeking a declaration that Constitutional Amendment Bill Number Seven (Bill 7) of 2025 became legally null and void and ceased to be a valid legislative instrument, following the judgment in the case of Munir Zulu and Celestine Mukandila vs Attorney General.

Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha has submitted that upon assent, the Bill became law and now forms part of the Constitution of Zambia pursuant to Article 79(5)(a) of the Constitution.

Mr Kabesha is urging the Constitutional Court to dismiss the petitioner’s claim that Bill No. 7 of 2025 was declared invalid and that the Court should order the legislative process to start afresh without considering previous decisions.

He contends that the procedural concerns raised by Munir Zulu were lawfully addressed through the establishment of the technical committee and the undertaking of a consultative process.

He further argues that the present petition has been overtaken by events, as it seeks to impugn a Bill that is now law.

The Attorney General has implored the Court to dismiss the petition with costs, citing an alleged abuse of court process.

[ Diamond TV ]

WE WON’T TAKE PART IN ANY ELECTION UNTIL MADURO IS RELEASED BY THE AMERICANS – M’MEMBE

Socialist Party owner Fred M’membe says his party is not taking part in the Chawama by-election today because of lack of funds.

And M’membe has disclosed to Koswe that until his funder and sponsor, arrested Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro is released, his party will not take part in any Zambian election.

He says from the time Maduro was arrested, the Socialist Party is struggling financially.- Koswe

WHY BILL 7 REMAINS JUSTICIABLE EVEN AFTER ASSENT
CONSTITUTIONAL SUPREMACY OVERRIDES PARLIAMENTARY ACTION

The Attorney General’s argument collapses at the point of constitutional supremacy. Article 1(2) of the Constitution of Zambia unequivocally provides that the Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic and that any law inconsistent with it is void to the extent of the inconsistency.

This supremacy applies to all laws without exception, including constitutional amendments. Supremacy attaches to the Constitution itself not to Parliament, not to presidential assent, and not to political or legislative convenience. Where the process of amending the Constitution violates constitutional requirements, the product of that process cannot be salvaged or immunised by assent.

PARLIAMENT IS NOT THE FINAL GUARDIAN OF THE CONSTITUTION

The Attorney General’s position implicitly asserts parliamentary supremacy, a doctrine not recognised under Zambia’s constitutional order. Article 119(1) of the Constitution vests judicial authority in the courts and mandates that such authority be exercised in accordance with the Constitution. This provision firmly establishes the courts, not Parliament, as the final interpreters and guardians of the Constitution.

Parliament cannot validate its own unconstitutional conduct merely by completing the legislative process. To accept the Attorney General’s argument would mean that Parliament may violate constitutional procedures, rush a Bill to assent, and permanently shield it from judicial scrutiny. Such a position would strike at the heart of constitutionalism and dismantle the system of checks and balances.

CONTINUING AND ORIGINAL JURISDICTION OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL COURT

The assertion that the matter has been overtaken by events is legally unsustainable. Article 128(1)(a) establishes the Constitutional Court, while Article 128(3) confers upon it original and final jurisdiction in constitutional matters. Further, Article 128(2) empowers the Court to hear matters relating to the interpretation of the Constitution.

This jurisdiction does not lapse upon presidential assent to a Bill. On the contrary, where a law has already taken effect, the need for judicial scrutiny becomes more pressing in order to safeguard constitutional order and prevent ongoing illegality.

ARTICLE 79 DOES NOT IMMUNISE UNCONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

The Attorney General’s reliance on Article 79(5)(a) is misplaced. While Article 79 outlines the procedure through which a Bill becomes law upon assent, it does not confer immunity on legislation that is constitutionally defective. Article 79 regulates form and procedure it does not legalise illegality.

A constitutional amendment that fails to comply with the requirements of the Constitution in substance and spirit remains constitutionally defective. Nowhere does the Constitution state that once an amendment is assented to, it becomes immune from judicial challenge. Any such assertion finds no support in the constitutional text.

THE MUNIR ZULU JUDGMENT CHALLENGED THE ORIGIN OF BILL 7

The judgment in Munir Zulu and Celestine Mukandila v Attorney General did not concern minor or cosmetic procedural irregularities. It fundamentally questioned whether the entire constitutional amendment process complied with constitutional requirements, including the legality of the process, public participation, and adherence to constitutional thresholds.

Where the origin of a constitutional amendment is unconstitutional, subsequent remedial steps cannot cure that illegality. The establishment of a technical committee cannot retrospectively legitimise an unconstitutional process, and presidential assent cannot sanitise a poisoned legislative foundation. In constitutional law, legality cannot be built upon illegality.

PRESIDENTIAL ASSENT CANNOT CURE CONSTITUTIONAL INVALIDITY

Presidential assent is a formal constitutional act it is not a mechanism for curing constitutional defects. Across constitutional democracies, courts have consistently held that executive assent does not validate unconstitutional legislation. To hold otherwise would elevate the President above the Constitution, a position expressly rejected by Article 1 of the Constitution.

The President, like Parliament, is bound by the Constitution and cannot confer validity upon a process that was unconstitutional at its inception.

THE ALLEGATION OF ABUSE OF PROCESS IS MISCONCEIVED

Seeking constitutional clarity on whether a constitutional amendment was lawfully enacted particularly after a prior judgment has cast doubt on its legality does not constitute an abuse of court process. Rather, it represents the proper invocation of constitutional accountability mechanisms. It is a legitimate defence of constitutional supremacy and a necessary inquiry into whether Zambia remains governed by the rule of law or drifts towards legislative absolutism.

CONCLUSION

Parliament is not the final guardian of the Constitution. Presidential assent is not a shield against constitutional illegality. The jurisdiction of the Constitutional Court cannot be extinguished by political timing or procedural expediency. Where the origin of a constitutional amendment is unconstitutional, the amendment itself is void assent notwithstanding.

Simpamba Abraham
Together We Can
Ichalo Bantu!

KALABA IN FANTASY LAND: CITIZENS FIRST LEADER SPIRALS INTO POLITICAL HALLUCINATIONS

Citizens First president Harry Kalaba appears to have entered full fantasy mode again — blurting out dreams, delusions, and political hallucinations as if they were serious policy proposals.

In his latest outburst, Kalaba declared that the very first thing he would do if elected in 2026 is slash the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) back to a pathetic K1.6 million. He then had the audacity to describe the current K40 million CDF as a “flop.”

This is not policy. This is political self-sabotage.

Kalaba is now openly campaigning against development. He wants to drag communities backward, starve constituencies of resources, and return Zambia to the dark days when MPs begged ministries for boreholes and desks.

Even more ridiculous, Kalaba claims that he achieved more in Bahati with K1.6 million “ancient years ago” than what the UPND government is doing today with K40 million.

This is pure revisionist fantasy.

Under the expanded CDF, constituencies are building schools, clinics, bridges, markets, skills centers, and creating real jobs. Communities are deciding their own priorities for the first time in Zambia’s history. That is progress.

Kalaba, however, wants to reverse it.

He wants to cut development at the knees, cripple local councils, and return power to Lusaka bureaucrats.

If this is what Citizens First stands for, then Zambians can already see the future he is offering — a future of poverty, stagnation, and political daydreaming masquerading as leadership.

Kalaba is not ready for State House. He is busy fighting development itself.

By Amb. Emmanuel Mwamba

OPPOSITION OWN ENEMY

Editorial

Chawama and Kasama are holding Parliamentary and Mayoral by-elections.

The by-elections have exposed both the ruling Party and Opposition’s greed and the dangerous trend emerging to push parochial and narrow interests by both sides, over national interests.

With a few months away from the general elections, many have contended that there was no need to hold these elections.

The Chawama case presents a very sad scenario where the holder of the seat, Tasila Lungu-Mwansa was targeted and illegally removed as legitimate Member of Parliament using thin reasons to so.
Although Kasama appear unavoidable as the cause of the vacancy was by death of Her Worship, Theresa Kolala.

The Opposition has shown naked and negative opportunism as they have acted with unparalleled, shameless and self-serving interests  purposes of private or partisan gains.

The Opposition have featured numeorus candidates a scenario that will likely cause an upset victory to benefit the Ruling Party.

The Opposition have ignored the fervent plea by Zambians to unite and present a unified candidate in these elections.

This is also seen in the crumble of hopeful political alliances earlier formed that provided so much hope such as United Kwacha Alliance, united Front and Tonse Grand Alliance.

Let us look at the details of the candidates.

Chawama;
Mulenga Davison – Citizens First (CF)
Musukuma Ntazana -Leadership
Movement (LM)
Mutete Mohammad – New Congress Party
(NCP)
Muunda Morgan – United Party for
National Development (UPND)
Nundwe Bright – Forum for Democracy
and Development (FDD)
Phiri James – National Democratic
Congress (NDC)
Mageza Alfred (Ndeweni) – Exodus Party
for Peace and Prosperity (EPPP)
Mwenya George – Independent
Siatwaambo Elijah 1 Independent.

Kasama;

Aaron Zimba – Citizens First (CF) party
Bywell Simposya – United Party for
National Development (UPND)
Joseph Mubanga – Socialist Party (SP)
Mary Busika (also spelled Bukise) – New
Focus Party (NFP)
Mukuka Kapambwe – United Prosperous
and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ)
Peter Yuda Chikweti – Forum for
Democracy and Development (FDD)
under the Tonse Alliance.
If this will be the scenario in the 2026 general election, it present an early Christmas Bonus to the UPND.

Let the Opposition unite,