Allegations have emerged that the personal wealth of Zimbabwe’s former president, Robert Mugabe, was managed by disgraced American financier and convicted s3x offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a confidential source quoted in newly released United States government files.
The claim appears in documents attributed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and contained in records released by the Department of Justice, which resurfaced in late January 2026 as part of a fresh batch of Epstein-related disclosures.
The files, dated November 27, 2017, have reignited global scrutiny over Epstein’s alleged connections to powerful political figures around the world, years after his conviction in the United States for soliciting a m!nor.
According to the documents, Mugabe was allegedly among the high-profile individuals whose finances were handled by Epstein, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The allegation is contained in FBI records marked “Secret” and restricted from access by foreign nationals.
An unnamed confidential human source told federal investigators in 2017: “Epstein was President Vladimir Putin’s wealth manager and provided the same service for former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.”
The files were later reported by the Daily Mail and People following their public release. The source further alleged that Epstein accumulated his fortune by assisting elite clients in concealing assets from authorities.
“He made his money from charging his clients fees to hide their money offshore,” the source said.
No documentary evidence directly confirming that Epstein managed Mugabe’s personal assets has been published alongside the released files.
The documents also outline a network of correspondence and intelligence assessments suggesting that Epstein maintained access to senior political figures long after his 2008 conviction in Florida.
Emails cited in the records refer to proposed meetings with Putin and discussions involving Russian officials and intermediaries.
In one message dated September 11, 2011, an associate reportedly wrote to Epstein regarding a planned trip to Russia.
“You told him you had an appointment with Putin on Sept 16,” the email stated. Other communications referenced in the files suggest Epstein claimed links to Russian intelligence and boasted of having “friends in the FSB”, Russia’s main security agency.
One intelligence source described Epstein’s alleged activities in stark terms, calling them: “The world’s largest honeytrap operation.”
The documents note, however, that these assertions reflect intelligence assessments and claims from confidential sources, rather than established or proven facts.
Akon reacts after Davido misses out on the Grammy Awards, showers him with massive praise
“I don’t think Davido should worry about missing out on the Grammy Awards. His music has already captured the hearts of millions around the world. I truly love the way his fans continue to stand by him with so much passion and loyalty.
To be honest, even if he had won this Grammy, it might not have changed anything for him—in fact, not winning could even be a blessing in disguise.
Davido’s impact, influence, and visibility are already massive, and awards don’t define the greatness of his music. Sometimes, not winning is actually for your own good.”
Nigeria’s former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, is facing serious scrutiny in the UK as prosecutors allege she spent a staggering £140,000 in a single day on luxury furniture and decorative art.
The trial, ongoing at Southwark Crown Court in London, also involves Olatimbo Ayinde, an oil executive, and Doye Agama, Alison-Madueke’s brother. All three are standing trial on a five-count charge related to accepting bribes and have pleaded not guilty.
According to court proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence showing that Alison-Madueke made extravagant purchases at a London antiques store, allegedly using intermediaries to facilitate payments. The luxury spree reportedly included high-end furniture, bespoke lighting, and decorative art, Cables reported.
The courtroom was filled with supporters from the Ijaw community in Nigeria, who had traveled to London to witness the proceedings.
Earlier hearings revealed further allegations that Alison-Madueke accepted bribes in the form of luxury goods and access to high-end properties, all allegedly connected to industry figures seeking Nigerian oil contracts. Prosecutor Alexandra Healy told the jury that the ex-minister “enjoyed a life of luxury in London” courtesy of these benefactors.
In response, Alison-Madueke’s lawyer, Jonathan Laidlaw, argued that his client had no real influence over the awarding of oil contracts, describing her role as merely a “rubber stamp” for official recommendations.
The trial continues, with the court closely examining the details of the alleged extravagant lifestyle and the alleged bribery network surrounding Nigeria’s oil industry.
French authorities have summoned billionaire Elon Musk for a “voluntary interview” and carried out a search of the French offices of social media platform X as part of an ongoing cybercrime investigation, the Paris public prosecutor’s office confirmed on Tuesday.
The operation, conducted with the support of EU police agency Europol, is linked to a probe launched in January 2025 into allegations that X’s algorithm may have been used to influence French political discourse.
In a statement, prosecutors said, “A search is being conducted today at the French premises of the X platform.” They added that summonses for voluntary interviews scheduled for April 20, 2026, in Paris were sent to Musk and former X chief executive Linda Yaccarino, describing them as the platform’s de facto and de jure managers at the time of the alleged incidents.
Yaccarino stepped down as CEO in July last year after serving two years in the role.
Paris cybercrime prosecutors had earlier requested a police investigation in July 2025 following complaints filed in January of the same year. The complaints alleged offences including the manipulation and extraction of data from automated systems, allegedly carried out “as part of a criminal gang.”
One of the complaints was lodged by Eric Bothorel, a lawmaker from President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist party. He accused the platform of reducing diversity of opinions and pointed to what he described as Musk’s personal interventions in X’s management following his takeover of the company in 2022.
According to prosecutors, the investigation was later expanded after further reports raised concerns about the role of X’s AI chatbot, Grok, in spreading Holocaust denial content and sexual deepfake material on the platform.
X has rejected the allegations. In January 2025, the company’s France director, Laurent Buanec, defended the platform, insisting it operates under “strict, clear and public rules” designed to combat hate speech and disinformation. The platform has also described the investigation as “politically motivated.”
The probe has drawn international attention. The United States condemned the investigation in July, warning it would defend the free speech rights of Americans against what it described as foreign censorship. Separately, the European Union in late January opened its own investigation into X over Grok’s generation of sexualised deepfake images involving women and minors.
The EU action comes despite repeated warnings from the administration of US President Donald Trump, which has threatened retaliation against what it views as enforcement of tech regulations that restrict free speech and unfairly target American companies.
Philanthropist Melinda French Gates has said that reading about her former husband Bill Gates in documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case made her deeply sad for the alleged victims and resurfaced painful memories from her marriage.
Melinda spoke about the recent release of documents by the Department of Justice during a promotional interview for a new episode of Wild Card with Rachel Martin.
In the interview, she said no girl should ever be subjected to what she described as a torturous experience at the hands of a powerful figure such as Jeffrey Epstein.
She added that individuals named in the files, including her former husband, must answer questions about their interactions with the convicted s3x offender.
“Whatever questions remain there, I can’t even begin to know all of it, those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband, they need to answer to those things. Not me,” Melinda said.
She explained that details in the documents brought back “memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage. But I have moved on from that. I purposely pushed it away and I moved on,” she added.
Melinda Gates says ex-husband Bill Gates needs to answer questions about Epstein files
Melinda said she is now in what she described as a “very beautiful place” in her life and no longer feels the need to personally address the scandal.
According to her, it is up to Bill Gates and others mentioned in the files to respond to questions about the matter. She said her focus remains on the alleged victims, while distancing herself from further involvement in the controversy.
Melinda and Bill Gates announced their divorce in 2021, though reports have indicated that she began consulting divorce lawyers two years earlier after concerns emerged about her husband’s association with Epstein.
She has previously said she expressed discomfort about Bill Gates’ relationship with Epstein during their marriage.
The latest allegations linked to Bill Gates include claims in a draft email allegedly written by Epstein, suggesting Gates contracted a s3xually transmitted disease from a Russian woman and intended to give Melinda antibiotics without explaining why.
A spokesperson for Bill Gates denied the claims in a statement.
“These claims are absolutely absurd and completely false,” the spokesperson said. “The only thing these documents demonstrate is Epstein’s frustration that he did not have an ongoing relationship with Gates and the lengths he would go to entrap and defame.”
Marcus Rashford has reportedly turned down the possibility of a return to Manchester United, opting instead to continue his career with Barcelona despite renewed interest from his former club.
According to The Touchline, the England international is unconvinced by Manchester United’s current sporting direction and believes his personal ambitions align more closely with Barcelona’s long-term vision. The presence of head coach Hansi Flick is said to have been a key factor in Rashford’s confidence in the project at Camp Nou.
United’s interest is understood to have grown following recent changes in the club’s technical setup. Interim manager Michael Carrick reportedly made direct contact with Rashford, viewing him as a central figure in plans to reshape the club’s attacking structure ahead of the new season.
However, sources indicate that Rashford remains hesitant about a return, citing ongoing uncertainty over United’s long-term plans. The forward is believed to feel that the club is still searching for stability and clarity, making a comeback unattractive at this stage of his career.
In contrast, Rashford is said to be settled in Spain and fully committed to life at Barcelona. Since arriving last summer, he has adjusted smoothly to the club and its environment, building strong relationships within the squad.
U.S. Sends $500 Million in Oil Cash Back to Venezuela to Jumpstart Economy
The U.S. just made a major move to help get Venezuela back on its feet. On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, the government finished sending $500 million back to Venezuela. This money comes from the first big sale of Venezuelan oil since the U.S. military operation in early January that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro.
This is a big deal because it’s the first part of a much larger plan. Following the removal of Maduro, the Trump administration promised to help fix Venezuela’s broken economy.
The U.S. has been holding onto billions of dollars from oil sales in a special protected account to make sure the money actually goes toward helping people—like paying government workers and providing food and medicine—rather than being snatched by creditors to pay off the country’s massive old debts.
So far, the plan seems to be working. In the capital city of Caracas, the local currency has started to stabilize, and the crazy-high price increases (inflation) have slowed down a bit. To keep the momentum going, the U.S. has also given American oil companies the green light to start trading with Venezuela again. This should help the country produce even more oil—roughly 200,000 more barrels a day by the end of the year.
While things are looking up, there’s still a long way to go. Venezuela’s oil equipment has been falling apart for years, and it will take a lot of work and money from U.S. oil giants to fix it.
For now, the acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, is working with Washington to make sure the “oil for money” deal keeps flowing smoothly.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi Assassinated: A Legacy Shattered in Libya
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, was killed at his residence in Zenten by four unidentified individuals who fled immediately after the attack.
According to Al Jazeera, the assailants first disabled surveillance cameras before opening fire on him in his garden around 2:30 a.m. local time. The exact circumstances remain unclear, and responsibility for the murder has not yet been established.
Despite resisting, Saif al-Islam was shot dead on the spot by the armed intruders. He was not only the son of Muammar Gaddafi but had long been regarded as his political successor.
In 2021, he announced his candidacy for the presidency, but elections were indefinitely postponed, leaving Libya’s political future uncertain.
This brutal assassination marks not only the death of a man but also the end of a potential political continuity and family legacy.
For many, it is a tragic reminder that violence still shapes the destiny of Libya, and political aspirations can be destroyed before they have a chance to take root.
Libya, already weakened by years of internal divisions and power struggles, loses one of the last heirs of a long-contested and misunderstood political project, leaving a significant political and symbolic void.
It’s a loss for a people who might have seen in Saif al-Islam a bridge toward continuity and stability, yet are once again confronted with brutality and uncertainty.
More Americans Now Believe Joe Biden Outperformed Donald Trump as President – New Polls Show Shift in Public Opinion Amid Economy, Policy, and Leadership Perceptions
Recent polling shows a growing number of Americans now believe that Joe Biden performed better as president than Donald Trump, signaling a notable shift in public sentiment that reflects changing views on leadership, policy, and the state of the country.
While both leaders have faced intense scrutiny and polarized opinions throughout their presidencies, recent surveys indicate that a slim majority of Americans now rate Biden’s overall performance more favorably than Trump’s, even among voters who have historically supported different parties.
Experts suggest several factors are driving this shift:
Economic perception: Many Americans are closely evaluating the state of the economy, including inflation, job growth, and cost of living. Positive feelings about economic recovery or stability during Biden’s presidency appear to be influencing these comparative judgments.
Policy outcomes: Issues such as healthcare, foreign relations, immigration, and national security continue to shape opinions. Recent events and policy decisions have highlighted differences in leadership style and effectiveness between the two presidents.
Independent voters: The change in perception is particularly noticeable among independents, who often swing public opinion during major elections and who may prioritize practical governance over party loyalty.
Historically, Trump had enjoyed higher approval ratings on retrospective performance in certain polls, but the most recent trends indicate that more Americans are now looking at Biden’s presidency as effective in comparison, even if their overall approval of either leader remains divided.
Analysts caution that this shift does not necessarily mean a lasting consensus. America remains highly polarized, and assessments of presidential performance continue to vary widely based on party affiliation, regional outlook, and specific issues that matter most to voters.
This change in public sentiment could have major implications for political discourse, upcoming elections, and how voters evaluate leadership experience in the future. The debate over presidential effectiveness is ongoing, but one thing is clear: more Americans are now willing to say Biden outperformed Trump in his time in
Jimmie “Jay” Lee, a 20-year-old openly gay student at the University of Mississippi, was killed in 2022 by Sheldon Timothy Herrington Jr., who wanted to hide their romantic relationship. Herrington was recently sentenced to 40 years in prison for murder and tampering with evidence.
Lee went missing on July 8, 2022, and his mother reported him missing the same day. For weeks, his family and police searched without answers. Herrington, 22 at the time, was soon identified as a suspect after prosecutors said he killed Lee to keep their relationship secret, according to the Clarion Ledger.
After a mistrial in 2024, a new trial was scheduled for 2025. On December 1, 2025, Herrington changed his plea and admitted to second-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
The next day, Lafayette County Circuit Court Judge Kelly Luther sentenced him to 40 years in prison, plus 10 years of post-release supervision, split between supervised and unsupervised probation. The prison terms will run one after the other.
Lee’s remains were found on February 1, 2025, by deer hunters in Carroll County, about 90 minutes south of Oxford. This discovery confirmed his death and led to the new indictment that eventually allowed Herrington to plead guilty and receive his sentence.
Before the sentencing, Lee’s parents spoke in court. His father, Jimmie Lee Sr., described the pain of losing his son and seeing his skeletal remains. “No father should have to go through that,” he said, recalling the family’s long wait for answers.
Judge Luther praised the thorough investigation and careful handling of the case. “Mr. Herrington, you still have a chance at life. Mr. Lee does not. I would encourage you to take advantage of that opportunity,” she said.
Lee was remembered as a cherished member of the Oxford LGBTQ+ community. Authorities and family members said the case showed that justice is possible, even in tragic circumstances.
Epstein: The Ghost That Will Not Rest …power, secrecy, and the theatre of scandal✍️
Amb. AM. 3 Jan. 26
Jeffrey Epstein, born in 1953 and dead at 66, is a man whose shadow looms larger in death than in life. A kind of man a guy like me wants to write about.
He never attended Harvard yet obsessed over its prestige, showering donations to bask in borrowed glory.
His career began as a math teacher at Dalton, USA, where dismissal followed whispers of misconduct.
Later at Bear Stearns, he rose swiftly but was forced out amid disputes, a pattern of proximity to power followed by exile.
These exits foretold a destiny steeped in scandal, a tale worthy of Shakespeare’s stage.
Epstein’s wealth was as mysterious as his friendships. He claimed to manage billions for unnamed clients, his net worth estimated at over $500 million, though the true source remained opaque.
His ties to Israel’s Mossad sparked speculation: was he an agent or merely bait in a honeytrap designed to ensnare the mighty? Like Banquo’s ghost at Macbeth’s feast, the suspicion lingers, unbanished by official silence.
His death in 2019, ruled suicide, bore marks of foul play: broken bones, failed cameras, inattentive guards.
Hamlet’s father returns in memory here, whispering of murder disguised as despair. Epstein’s ghost haunts the corridors of justice, demanding answers that never come.
In death, he became immortal in scandal, his name echoing louder than ever, even in Zambia far from America’s shores.
“Umuziba Epstein iwe mwana ni mukali…”
The latest files, three million pages strong, splash names across headlines: Donald Trump, mentioned 1,500 times; Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Steve Bannon, Prince Andrew.
The royal scandal evokes King Lear undone by folly, stripped of dignity before the world. American media “drools” because these names guarantee clicks, ratings, and political tremors.
With POTUS Trump seeking re-election on (mid-term) November 3, the sheer volume of mentions ensures Epstein’s ghost stalks the campaign trail, a spectre of perception more potent than proof.
Epstein’s saga is a Shakespearean tragedy staged on a global platform.
Macbeth’s ambition, Hamlet’s haunting, Lear’s disgrace, all find echoes in the scandal. The files are less about new crimes than about the spectacle of secrecy, coverups, and elite protection in my view, I could be wrong.
For America, the question is not guilt but trust, whether institutions can withstand the corrosive power of proximity to scandal.
For the world, the lesson is clear: when elites are shielded, scandal becomes spectacle, and ghosts never rest.
Take the non-burial of sixth President of Zambia Edgar Chagwa Lungu for instance, …. mystery-filled, no action. As the Greeks warned: “Whom the gods wish to destroy, they first make mad.”
–Amb. Anthony Mukwita is an Author & International Analyst.
Trump only respects leaders that respect themselves.
Mali 🇲🇱, Burkina Faso 🇧🇫 and Niger 🇳🇪 leaders refused to be bullied by the West, they turned to Russia 🇷🇺 for respectful alliances
Now the US 🇺🇸 have changed tune, it now wants to engage them. The USA 🇺🇸 state department announced that Nick Checker, head of its Bureau of African Affairs, would visit Mali’s capital Bamako to convey the United States’ “respect for Mali’s sovereignty” and chart a “new course” in relations, moving “past policy missteps”.
It adds that the US also looks forward to co-operating with Mali’s allies, neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, “on shared security and economic interests”.
Absent from the agenda is the longstanding American concern for democracy and human rights. The Biden administration had halted military co-operation after coups deposed the elected civilian presidents of all three countries between 2020 and 2023, with Niger’s Mohamed Bazoum still locked up in his own residence.
The US statement makes explicit a radical change in policy that had become increasingly evident over the 12 months since Donald Trump returned to the White House.
The announcement of Checker’s visit goes further in openly declaring respect for Mali’s sovereignty. The message will resonate in Bamako and allied capitals, where military leaders have built their appeal by striking pan-Africanist themes and rejecting former colonial power France.
Burkina Faso’s military leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, presents himself as a standard-bearer in resisting “imperialism” and “neo-colonialism”. Through vigorous social media promotion, he has gained huge support for this stance and personal popularity among young people across the continent and beyond.
Mr P— 🗣️ “I don’t like the ‘African Category’ Grammy award. you give me a Grammy award and classify it under ‘African Category’, I will not be happy.
Peter of P-Square Shares how he feels on the ‘African Category’ at the Grammys.
While speaking in a recent interview, Peter questioned why the GRAMMYs created an “African Music” category in the first place. According to him, nobody has ever heard of an American category or an Asian category, so why is Africa always separated?
He explained that even countries like Russia have their own version of the Grammys, yet they still feel the need to create a special African section instead of letting African music compete freely with the rest of the world.
Peter made it clear that African music has gone global and doesn’t need to be boxed or treated like a side attraction. To him, music should be judged as music — not by continent.
And honestly… the way I see it, he’s spitting the raw truth.
Is the African category real recognition… or just another polite way of separating us?
It has been 17 years since John Edward Jones became trapped forever inside Nutty Putty Cave in Utah, in one of the most tragic cave accidents in history.
In November 2009, John, a young medical student and father, entered the cave with family members, believing he was exploring a familiar passage. In the tight, unmapped tunnels, he mistakenly crawled into a narrow chute that sloped downward. As he tried to turn around, he slipped deeper and became wedged upside down, unable to move.
What followed was a desperate rescue effort. More than 50 rescuers worked tirelessly for over 24 hours, using ropes, pulleys, and drilling equipment in the cramped, unstable cave. Every attempt to free him pushed his body further into danger. Being inverted for so long placed immense strain on his heart and lungs.
Despite extraordinary efforts, the rescue ultimately failed. John passed away inside the cave, surrounded by people who fought desperately to save him.
Because recovering his body was deemed too dangerous, Nutty Putty Cave was permanently sealed, and John’s resting place remains there to this day.
His story is a haunting reminder of nature’s unforgiving power—and of the courage, limits, and risks faced by those who venture into the unknown.
🇺🇦 UKRAINE LOCKS DOWN STARLINK TO BLOCK RUSSIAN DRONES
Ukraine’s government just rolled out a whitelist for Starlink terminals: verified ones stay connected, unverified get disconnected right away.
This move cuts off Russian forces from using smuggled or captured @Starlink units to guide their drone strikes, secures Ukrainian communications, and shields critical energy infrastructure from attacks.
Turning a game-changing tech into a frontline weapon for defense, not offense.
IRAN WILLING TO SHUT DOWN NUCLEAR PROGRAM AS U.S. OFFICIALS HEAD TO ISTANBUL
Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are expected to meet Iran’s foreign minister Friday, with Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt officials also attending.
It’s the first face-to-face talks since Trump moved his “armada” into striking range.
Iran is offering major concessions.
They’re willing to suspend the nuclear program and have already sent Ali Larijani to Moscow with a message from Khamenei: Iran could ship its enriched uranium stockpile to Russia like they did under the 2015 deal.
COMMENTARY ON THE LIVINGSTONE MAYOR CORRUPTION FINDING AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR ZAMBIAN CRIMINAL JURISPRUDENCE
Introduction
The judgment arising from the Livingstone Mayor corruption matter presents a troubling contradiction. On the one hand, the court expressly found that the accused, acting in her official capacity as Mayor of Livingstone, corruptly obtained a gratification of K180,000.00 in exchange for securing a 100% remission of property rates owed to the Livingstone City Council.
On the other hand, the court declined to sustain criminal liability under Count Two on the basis that the funds were transmitted through intermediaries rather than directly from the person named in the indictment.
This commentary argues that, as a matter of law, principle, and public policy, the latter conclusion is inconsistent with the Penal Code, settled criminal doctrine in Zambia, and the broader anti-corruption framework.
Corruption as a Substantive Offence, Not a Transactional Technicality Under Zambian criminal law, corruption is not defined by the path taken by money, but by:
the corrupt intent (mens rea), and
the abuse of public office for private gain (actus reus).
Once a court finds that a public officer corruptly received or agreed to receive a gratification in connection with an official act, the offence is complete.
This principle has been repeatedly affirmed by Zambian courts when interpreting offences involving abuse of office, theft by public servant, and corruption-related crimes. The focus has never been—and must never become—the elegance or complexity of the payment mechanism.
Statutory Position Under the Penal Code (Cap 87) Section 21 – Parties to Offences Section 21 of the Penal Code provides that any person who aids, abets, counsels, or procures the commission of an offence is deemed to have taken part in committing that offence and is criminally liable as a principal offender.
Applied to the present facts:
the intermediaries (Oliver Perry and PW3) are, at law, agents or accomplices, not legal shields;
the accused, as the ultimate beneficiary and decision-maker, remains fully liable.
The Penal Code does not recognise “distance” from the source of funds as a defence. Section 22 – Counselling or Procuring
Section 22 extends liability to any person who counsels or procures the commission of an offence, whether or not that person personally executes each step.
Zambian courts have consistently interpreted this provision broadly, recognising that complex crimes—especially economic and corruption offences—are often executed through layers of intermediaries. To hold otherwise is to reward sophistication in criminal design.
Section 23 – Accessories Before or After the Fact Section 23 criminalises knowing participation before or after the commission of an offence. A public officer who knowingly receives proceeds of a corrupt transaction cannot escape liability merely because the transaction was structured through third parties.
Zambian Judicial Approach to Criminal Responsibility (Principle-Based) While each corruption case turns on its own facts, Zambian courts have long rejected hyper-technical interpretations that defeat the substance of criminal justice.
The Supreme Court of Zambia has repeatedly emphasised that: criminal law must be interpreted purposively, and courts must guard against interpretations that defeat legislative intent, particularly in public-interest offences. In corruption and abuse-of-office matters, the identity of the conduit has never been treated as more important than the corrupt benefit and official abuse.
Persuasive Commonwealth Authority (Accepted in Zambia) Zambian courts routinely rely on persuasive Commonwealth jurisprudence where domestic authority is limited. Courts across the Commonwealth have consistently held that:
“The use of intermediaries does not negate criminal liability where the accused knowingly receives a corrupt benefit connected to an official act.” This principle has been applied in cases involving bribery, conspiracy, and joint enterprise, reinforcing that criminal liability follows intent and benefit, not transaction choreography.
The Dangerous Precedent Created. The implication of the Livingstone finding, if left unchallenged in principle, is severe:
It undermines anti-corruption enforcement It creates a blueprint for evasion by public officers It signals that corruption becomes legally survivable if properly “outsourced”
It weakens public confidence in equal application of the law Most dangerously, it creates a public perception problem—that political proximity or affiliation may coincide with legal insulation. Whether true or not, justice must not only be done, but must be seen to be done. Perception alone, when fuelled by reasoning of this nature, erodes the moral authority of the justice system.
Conclusion
Once the court found that the Mayor corruptly obtained K180,000.00 in exchange for abusing public office, criminal liability was established in law. The route by which the money travelled is legally incidental, not exculpatory.
The Penal Code criminalises corruption directly or indirectly obtained.
It criminalises participation through intermediaries.
It criminalises benefiting from corrupt schemes, regardless of structure.
Any interpretation that suggests otherwise does not advance justice it invites impunity.
Final Note (Measured but Clear) This commentary does not attack the judiciary. It defends the integrity of the law. But it also serves as a warning: bad precedent is more dangerous than a bad judgment, because precedent outlives personalities and politics.
If corruption can be laundered through intermediaries and survive judicial scrutiny, then the very foundation of equality before the law is at risk.
A Ghanaian man identified as Benjamin Offei, has reportedly committed su!cide after DNA test results showed that the four children he had been raising with his wife were not his biologically.
A Germany based man, Bmm Swerdna, who disclosed this in a Facebook post on Sunday, February 2, 2026 said the Offei, was found d3ad in his garage in Copenhagen, Denmark.
“My friend Benjamin Offei who found out in a DNA test that all 4 children are not his children in his 19 years relationship with his Ghanaian wife has committed su!cide in his garage in Copenhagen,” he wrote.
It was gathered that the couple dated for 10 years before they got married.
LUNGU’S ‘PREFERRED SUCCESSOR’, DOES THIS CONCEPT REALLY MATTER?
We have heard a lot about ‘Lungu preferred this one, and Lungu preferred that one”.
This is debated so seriously as though it matters as much as the will of the deceased over their personal estate.
With due respect to the former and late President, his will is limited to his personal estate.
Beyond that, his desires and wishes may be taken only under advisement.
Even if he were still alive, they ll still be taken under advisement.
In fairness to all, it’s important that the field is left open for fair competition.
It’s also important that the wisdom of the voter is allowed to exercise itself in the choice of the next leader.
By so doing, you avoid creating cult personalities and this idea of ‘The Great Leader’ associated with dictatorial political systems.
Don’t forget this: just because someone once served as President doesn’t mean that they have become more wiser than the rest.
This seems to be the psychology that underpins our relations with former Presidents.
Experience does not necessarily lead to wisdom, let alone, the capacity to render sound advice.
So, whatever the preference was of the late President regarding his successor, trust the process by allowing the eligible members of the PF to elect their next leader.
SPEAKER URGES MPs TO MAINTAIN DECORUM AHEAD OF GHANAIAN PRESIDENT’S ADDRES
SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Nelly Mutti, has urged Members of Parliament to conduct themselves in a dignified and orderly manner ahead of an address by the President of Ghana, Mahamudu Bawumia, scheduled for Thursday, 5 February 2026.
Ms. Mutti made the call today during “communication from the Speaker” session as Parliament resumed sittings, emphasizing the importance of decorum during what she described as a significant diplomatic occasion for the House and the nation.
She reminded the law makers that the address by the Ghanaian Head of State would be a moment of national and international importance, requiring members to uphold the highest standards of parliamentary conduct.
“The House must rise to the occasion and demonstrate the dignity befitting this august Assembly,” said Ms. Mutti.
Meanwhile, Ms Mutti, has urged Members of Parliament to ensure the completion of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) constituency office projects within the year, emphasizing the need for accountability and timely delivery of development initiatives.
Ms. Mutti also called on lawmakers to fully implement the Presidential Constituency Energy Initiative, which aims to establish small-scale solar power plants across the country, stating that the initiative targets the development of solar plants capable of generating up to two megawatts of electricity in each constituency, a move intended to improve electricity supply in all districts while creating a guaranteed income stream at constituency level.
Rhea Holmes, a 55-year-old African American woman from Syracuse, New York, had been sleeping on her husband’s grave for months when a chance encounter with Officer Jamie Pastorello turned into a lifeline. A simple ride to the cemetery ended up changing her life.
On a cold December day, Holmes was carrying a box of groceries up a hill when Pastorello noticed her. He offered her a ride, unaware of the struggles she had endured silently for nearly eight months.
During the short drive, Holmes spoke about her late husband, their 26-year marriage, and her faith. Before leaving the car, she asked Pastorello for a photo. The department shared it on Facebook, where a cemetery worker recognized her.
The worker revealed that Holmes had been living at the cemetery, sleeping on a tarp over her husband’s grave and wearing the same clothes daily. She had survived outdoors quietly, avoiding shelters and asking for help only rarely. Pastorello said, “We deal with homelessness every day. She had no signs whatsoever.”
Holmes’ hardships began after her husband, Rev. Eddie Holmes, died suddenly in 2020. She lost her administrative assistant job, was evicted, and endured months of cold nights. Despite this, she continued volunteering at food pantries and churches.
“I just kept giving to others,” Rhea told People. “It was the only way I could keep going.”
After learning her story, Pastorello helped Holmes secure temporary housing and launched a GoFundMe campaign. It has raised over $76,000 in a month. By January 2026, she moved into a fully furnished home, finally safe from the dangers of sleeping outdoors.
Holmes says the encounter was life-changing. She said, “I know I wouldn’t have made it. If that ride hadn’t happened when it did… I don’t even want to imagine.”
Now, she and Pastorello talk nearly every day and often meet for coffee. He said the experience shows that even small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of the longtime former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed in Libya.
Ahmed Khalifa, an Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent in Libya, said on Tuesday that Gaddafi is believed to have been shot and killed in the western Libyan city of Zintan, where he was based for the past decade.
The 53-year-old’s killing was confirmed by his political adviser, Abdullah Othman, but the attackers and circumstances remain unclear.
The Libyan authorities have yet to comment publicly.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi never had an official position in Libya, but was considered to be his father’s number two from 2000 until 2011, when Muammar Gaddafi was killed by Libyan opposition forces that ended his decades-long rule.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi was captured and imprisoned in Zintan in 2011 after attempting to flee the North African country following the opposition’s takeover of Tripoli.
He was released in 2017 as part of a general pardon.
THE BRIAN MUNDUBILE PF FACTION PONDERS COMMENCING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THE GIVEN LUBINDA PF FACTION.
As the wrangles in the opposition Patriotic Front continue to deepen. Inside sources have shared that the Brian Mundubile Faction has advanced effort to commence contempt of court proceedings against the Lubinda group for recently expelling PF MPs from the Party as well as planning to hold an Extra ordinary Convention, when there is a High Court Matter that has not been resolved looking into the leadership of the Party.
The scheme is said to be meant to destabilize the Lubinda team and eventually knock him out of the Presidential race. To achieve the aim, the Mundubile Team will file the injunction in the Kabwe High Court.
The political theatrics being staged generate interest as the Mundubile Faction has in the past been accused to be aligned to the ruling UPND and it’s schemes appear to have the blessings of Hon. Robert Chabinga, PF President.
It remains to be seen how the Lubinda team will proceed after the action, especially that it promised it’s followers a convention in February 2026.
DAN PULE APOLOGIZES TO TONGAS OVER ‘TRIBAL APPOINTMENTS’ REMARK IN SEDITIOUS PRACTICES CAS
Christian Democratic Party President Dan Pule has apologized to people from the Zambezi region, particularly Tongas, if his remarks that President Hakainde Hichilema has been making tribal appointments offended them.
Testifying when he opened his defence in the seditious practices case before Lusaka Acting Chief Resident Magistrate Sylvia Munyinya, Dr. Pule said his remarks were not intended to disparage any group and sought to clarify his position.
The opposition leader is facing one count of seditious practices arising from a statement alleged to have been made between 16 and 28 May 2024, in which he accused the president of favoring the Zambezi region in official appointments.
When opening his defence, Dr. Pule told court he intended to call dozens of witnesses to support his account and to explain the context of his remarks, which he says were made during a United Kwacha Alliance press briefing attended by several opposition leaders.
However, Dr. Pule’s lawyers led by Sakwiba Sikota applied for an adjournment on the basis that the accused is still unwell to stand longer hours of trial, prompting the magistrate to adjourn the matter to allow the accused time to recover.
THE EXTENT OF UPND’S CORRUPTION WILL BE SEEN AFTER THEY LEAVE OFFICE – KALABA
…wonders why ministers under investigation are being shielded.
LUSAKA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY, 03, 2026
CITIZENS First party President Harry Kalaba says the extent of corruption under the UPND Government will be seen after they are voted out of office in August this year.
Speaking when he featured on ‘Let the People Talk’ program on Radio Phoenix this morning, Mr. Kalaba charged that the UPND is the most corrupt government in the history of Zambia.
Mr. Kalaba wondered why some ministers who are under investigation for corrupt practices are being shielded and their identities are hidden.
“The UPND came into government for their own benefit, they are the most corrupt as seen in the history of Zambia. Zambians will be able to see the extent of UPND corruption when they leave office this year. In 2021 we warned Zambians not to vote for the UPND and we still have some people who are even reglecting voting out ECL,” Mr. Kalaba said.
“This is the government that wants the names of ministers who are under investigation for corruption not to be published for the public to know. How can we fight corruption like that,” the CF leader wondered.
And Mr. Kalaba said contrary to assertions by some sections of society, his party is not being selfish by opting to field its own candidates in by-elections as opposed to rallying behind one opposition candidate.
He said the Citizens First Party was not formed to escort individuals into forming government but to provide leadership that addresses the needs of ordinary Zambians.
“Leadership should be about the people. We are not here to escort anyone into forming government but to address the real needs that are affecting our people such as flooding and by doing so we are not being selfish,” Mr. Kalaba said.
…says Citizens First party is more stable with tested leadership.
LUSAKA, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 03, 2026 (SMART EAGLES)
CITIZENS First Deputy Secretary Dr. Kasese Botha says party leader Harry Kalaba has what it takes to unseat the ruling UPND in the August 13 general elections.
Speaking when she featured on the ‘Pulse Nation’ program on Millennium TV this afternoon, Dr. Botha said Mr. Kalaba is a tested leader with a proven leadership record.
She said Citizens First is the most stable opposition political party in Zambia and is moving towards winning the 2026 polls.
“We are doing fine as a party, we are the most stable party in Zambia and we are moving to ensure we win the 2026 general elections. Alot is being said that we came a distant third in the Chawama and Kasama by – elections, but I want to say that by-election are never an indicator of a general election, they have there own dynamics,” Dr. Botha said.
“We have leadership that is tested and we have what it takes to unseat the UPND. Our party President Harry Kalaba has distinguished himself, he was a soldier of late President Sata but not only did he learn from Sata, he also learnt from his father who was a seasoned politician and all the time he spent at home with his father, Mr. Kalaba was learning how to look after people, ” she said.
And Dr. Botha said at the moment there is serious governance failure adding that the vote buying by the UPND in the last by- elections is testimony that hunger is rife in country.
She said there is need to create an environment where all citizens are able to afford three meals per day.
“You saw how meal meal was flying around during by – elections, people being given cooking oil in exchange for a vote, this is an acknowledgement that poverty is real, that there is hunger in Zambia. It is sad that we have weaponised food that people should eat into a transactional maneuver to win a vote, this dehumanizes citizens especially coming from the ruling party,” she said.
Compatriots; whether you and I like it or not, there can only be one President of Zambia at a time and right now it’s Hakainde Hichilema. This acceptance and submission is very very important and it cannot be construed as being part of the UPND.
It’s simply civility and respect for the sake of fostering a healthy policy-based politics. When the governing party picks some ideas from the opposite side of the divide Zambia wins and it’s beneficial to the Republic. To be precise, we must all be united in our political interests for what works for our country.
It seems to us, in UPP, that our country is so used to a divisive and vitriolic politics that whenever we issue an apolitical statement like we have done on ZESCO, some take it as “going to bed with UPND”. Let us stop this nonsense. What’s wrong with stating that ZESCO is not stealing or manipulating the units – it’s just that electricity is now expensive and government must adjust downwards the tariffs for low income households? Our statement was advisory for the good of all. Progressive policies can start even now if those in government care.
UPND is the worst performing government since 1964, but it cannot be compared to the MMD-run PF which lost power in 2021. Our country was in deep economic turmoil and if the MMD-run PF won what we are seeing now could have been worse. The debt stock was huge and unsustainable! State management was reduced to short term or temporary reliefs for the sake of the elections.
In order for the Kwacha to appear strong, BoZ would simply offload dollars onto the market. By now, Zambia could have been a junk and failed state worse than the weak DRC whose Katanga region the UPP-led Government will annex in less than 100 days of winning the elections.
Cadres took over virtually every aspect of life and disorder became commonplace. It was no longer about what you know, but who you know. It’s an act of national senselessness to be nostalgic about that era in the history of our country!
Nearly all former PF ministers must be behind bars. A forensic audit of all infrastructure projects under the central government and all councils countrywide will reveal that all contracts were highly inflated and companies owned by looter ministers awarded themselves contracts. It’s unbelievable how the MMD/PF-run UPND Government has failed to deal with these real cases of corruption and genuinely prosecute the looters who are now using the looted public funds to sow seeds of chaos. The UPND has its own share of stealthiness in corruption.
The UPP’s #BringBackOurMoney! anti-corruption crusade has dossiers on these corruption scandals that the MMD/PF-run UPND has failed to deal with.
Whereas we fully support the free education policy, there is much more that the UPND in government could have achieved by now if the most important man in terms of leadership and direction acted on basics such as scrapping off PAYE, increasing government spending in growth sectors, introducing windfall tax in the mining sector, introducing blockchain technology in all mining companies including precious stone mines to monitor extraction and procession up to revenue, reduce the reserve ratio to 5%, address supply bottlenecks (spurring growth and jobs), mandatory conscription of the youth into the army, opening army bases in all the districts, setting up army-run state farms in all the districts of Zambia, disbanding ZESCO (separate generation from distribution), legislation to allow Zambians to buy off the national debt, increasing the minimum wage to K15, 000, among other measures.
LILLIAN MUTAMBO AND THE POLITICS OF MISINFORMATION: A CALCULATED AGENDA AGAINST HON. MAKEBI ZULU
…her calculated effort is to promote propaganda on behalf of Hon. Brian Mundubile, while simultaneously working to discredit, undermine, and politically eliminate Hon. Makebi Zulu…
By Michael Zephaniah Phiri Political Activist
Those who have consistently followed the public commentary and political activism of Lillian Mutambo can clearly attest that her recent conduct has nothing to do with objectivity, patriotism, or unity.
What we are witnessing is a deliberate, sustained, and calculated effort to promote propaganda on behalf of Hon. Brian Mundubile, while simultaneously working to discredit, undermine, and politically eliminate Hon. Makebi Zulu.
Lillian Mutambo has positioned herself not as an independent voice, but as a political megaphone one that praises Hon. Mundubile uncritically while threatening to decampaign him the moment her personal views or directives are not followed. This alone exposes the transactional nature of her activism: loyalty is demanded, not earned.
Most troubling is her repeated public insistence that Hon. Makebi Zulu had stepped down as a presidential candidate a claim that was false, misleading, and clearly designed to psychologically edge him out of the race to pave the way for Hon. Brian Mundubile. This was not a mistake. It was political engineering through misinformation.
The same pattern emerged when Lillian Mutambo loudly championed calls for the arrest of Hon. Makebi Zulu upon his arrival at the airport. No arrest was made. No charges were announced. Yet she persisted in pushing a narrative that the UPND government was planning to arrest him a narrative meant to provoke sympathy for Hon. Mundubile while portraying Hon. Makebi Zulu as a political liability. When reality refused to cooperate with her storyline, she did not retract. She doubled down.
Today, the question is simple: how can the nation trust someone who openly wished to see a fellow citizen and political leader imprisoned for doing nothing wrong?
Anyone with open eyes can see how this political chess game is being played. The same camp that loudly claims it has “moved on” from the Patriotic Front leadership cried the loudest over a perceived expulsion by President Given Lubinda. If the so-called train they claim to be on was truly moving and full, such panic and emotional responses would never have surfaced. The truth is unavoidable: the train is stuck.
Those who have been using Lillian Mutambo to push factional agendas must seriously rethink their strategy. Political manipulation may work for a season, but it never survives truth.
Contrast this with Hon. Makebi Zulu’s return from South Africa. His message was not one of insults, fear, or threats but of unity, peace, and national healing. On Let the People Talk, hosted by Frank Mutubila, he made it abundantly clear that his ambition is secondary to unity. He went as far as stating that if unity demands it, he is prepared to step aside even to serve as a councillor so long as the opposition fields one candidate and the country remains peaceful.
That is LILLIAN MUTAMBO AND THE POLITICS OF MISINFORMATION: A CALCULATED AGENDA AGAINST HON. MAKEBI ZULU. That is leadership.
What clearly unsettles Lillian Mutambo and her allies is the undeniable momentum Hon. Makebi Zulu has generated in just three to four months. While Hon. Brian Mundubile has been pushing his ambition since 2022, the public response has not matched the effort. The numbers speak. Hon. Makebi Zulu’s social media following and public engagement surpass that of Hon. Mundubile, and that reality has made certain quarters deeply uncomfortable.
The truth many fear to admit is this: Hon. Makebi Zulu carries the political and moral face of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu. He stood with him when it was unfashionable, when it was risky, and when opportunists chose silence. That history cannot be erased by online propaganda or coordinated misinformation.
Lillian Mutambo would be better advised to focus her energy on pushing the political project she believes in, rather than attempting to downplay or demonize Hon. Makebi Zulu. If President Given Lubinda truly “wasted time,” as her allies claim, then why the tears? Why the desperation to remain associated with PF structures they themselves declared empty shells; especially, after former Secretary General Davies Mwila publicly stated that President Lubinda was left with nothing?
One cannot abandon a house, declare it empty, burn it in words, and then cry when the door is closed.
Zambians are watching. They are listening. And they are no longer fooled by loud voices that mistake propaganda for truth.
THE ENERGY SECTOR BETRAYAL: HOW PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA HAS FAILED WHERE HE ONCE MOCKED
By Michael Zephaniah Phiri Political Activist
For years, President Hakainde Hichilema ridiculed his predecessor, the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, branding him a “visionless leader.” Today, history is judging harshly, and it is President Hichilema himself who stands exposed, particularly in the *energy sector,* where policy failures have plunged ordinary Zambians into deeper misery.
Under the Patriotic Front (PF) government led by President Edgar Lungu, Zambia certainly faced challenges. However, electricity remained *relatively affordable,* and tariffs were managed with an understanding of the *real lives of citizens,* especially small businesses, informal traders, and low-income households. Power supply disruptions existed, but they were not *prolonged for years,* nor were they accompanied by crushing tariffs that strangled productivity.
Fast forward to the UPND government.
For *four years and some months,* Zambians have endured *persistent load-shedding,* crippling Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that form the backbone of the economy. Salons, barber shops, welders, tailors, small-scale farmers, poultry producers, internet cafés, and market traders have watched their businesses collapse not because they lack ideas or work ethic, but because *energy has been turned into a luxury instead of a public good.*
Today, the government boasts of “partially controlling” load-shedding. But at what cost?
ZESCO tariffs have become *punitive.* Electricity units are now so expensive that even when power is available, many citizens *cannot afford to use it.* What kind of success is this, where supply exists, but people are priced out?
This is not pro-poor governance.
This is economic exclusion.
Under PF, *K100 bought more electricity units.* Under UPND, the same K100 disappears quickly, while businesses remain idle, machines silent, and workers laid off. SMEs cannot grow. Some cannot even survive. When electricity becomes a burden rather than an enabler, development becomes impossible.
President Hichilema’s administration claims economic growth, pointing to stabilised exchange rates and improved macro-economic indicators. *But growth on paper is not growth in people’s pockets.* GDP figures do not cook nshima, pay rent, or keep a salon running during load-shedding. A strong kwacha means nothing when citizens survive on *less than two dollars a day.*
True economic growth gives *relief.*
It creates *opportunity.*
It allows citizens to do *business, expand, employ, and live with dignity.*
By these measures, the UPND government has failed.
Energy policy should empower production, not punish it. Yet today, Zambia has a government that lectures citizens about patience while ignoring the daily reality of suffering households and collapsing enterprises. This is not leadership with vision. It is leadership disconnected from the ground.
Ironically, the very president who called Edgar Lungu “visionless” now risks being remembered as *worse than all the last six presidents,* not because of rhetoric, but because of *results or the lack of them.* Vision is not found in speeches or statistics. Vision is found in whether people can work, trade, and survive.
As the nation moves toward *August 2026,* the message from the streets is growing louder:
Zambians are tired.
Tired of excuses.
Tired of suffering.
Tired of policies that benefit reports instead of people.
Many citizens are already saying it plainly: Come August 2026, President Hakainde Hichilema *should go to the farm and rest* , because Zambia deserves leadership that understands that *energy is life, and without affordable,* reliable power, there can be no development only misery.
History will judge.
And it will judge by how people lived, not by what was claimed.
🇿🇲 REFLECTION | Makebi Zulu: Does He Deserve Election?
Few political figures in Zambia’s current cycle have risen as abruptly, and as controversially, as Makebi Zulu. His ascent has not followed the slow grind of constituency building or policy craftsmanship. It has followed crisis. Courtrooms. Funerals. Power vacuums. And the unresolved emotional afterlife of Edgar Chagwa Lungu.
This is both his advantage and his burden.
Makebi Zulu’s public visibility today is not anchored in what he delivered as a Member of Parliament for Malambo between 2016 and 2021, nor in any enduring policy legacy from his time as Eastern Province Minister. Those years passed without leaving a defining political footprint. His relevance now flows from something else entirely: proximity to grief, power, and a wounded political base searching for a saviour.
The prolonged burial impasse of former President Lungu changed Makebi Zulu’s trajectory. Acting as the family’s lawyer and public voice, he stepped into a space heavy with emotion, loyalty, and unresolved national memory. In that vacuum, he spoke with certainty and moral urgency, positioning himself as defender of dignity against the state. For many younger PF supporters, this posture resonated. They read courage. They read defiance. They read destiny.
Others read something darker.
To a significant section of the public, the optics were unsettling. The body of a former Head of State remained frozen in South Africa while Makebi Zulu transitioned seamlessly from legal advocacy into open presidential ambition. What should have been closure became choreography. What should have been mourning became messaging. The line between legal duty and political leverage blurred, and the backlash was real enough that Makebi Zulu later found himself explaining, justifying, and recalibrating in public.
This episode gave him national name recognition. It also permanently attached ethical questions to his candidacy.
Since then, his politics have taken on a distinctly populist and quasi-messianic tone. Surrounded by figures like Godfridah Sumaili, a former religious affairs minister, and drawing heavily on faith-infused language, Makebi increasingly frames himself as a besieged but righteous figure. In interviews, he often speaks as a David facing a corrupt Goliath, invoking moral struggle more than economic strategy, divine justice more than institutional design.
This rhetoric is not accidental. It taps into what remains of Lungu’s perceived religious and spiritual constituency, a segment of the electorate that blends faith, grievance, and nostalgia. It is effective with a base that feels wronged and abandoned. It is far less convincing to voters asking practical questions about jobs, debt, food prices, and governance.
Politically, Makebi Zulu has moved across collapsing structures rather than building one. He filed interest to contest the PF presidency, later signalled willingness to step aside for opposition unity, then accepted nomination as the New Congress Party’s presidential candidate. Taken together, it paints a picture not of ideological clarity, but of tactical navigation through chaos.
Supporters call this pragmatism. Critics call it opportunism.
This is where the broader landscape matters. Zambia’s 2026 race is shaping into a contest between three types of actors: pragmatists consolidating state power, populists mobilising anger and symbolism, and dark horses hoping confusion creates opportunity. Makebi Zulu currently sits between the latter two. He is not yet a system-builder. He is not yet a national organiser. He is a figure riding emotional currents in a fragmented opposition space.
His strengths are undeniable. He is legally sharp. He understands constitutional process. He is articulate, combative, and comfortable under pressure. In a country where legal frameworks increasingly shape political outcomes, that matters. His parliamentary and ministerial experience gives him institutional literacy many outsiders lack.
But elections are not won on literacy alone.
Makebi Zulu has not demonstrated sustained grassroots mobilisation since leaving Parliament in 2021. He has not tested his appeal in a national election. He has not articulated a coherent economic vision beyond moral critique. His public record still carries unresolved baggage, including documented disputes with the Law Association of Zambia and the reputational drag of operating inside PF’s ongoing implosion.
Ambition is not in doubt. Capacity remains unproven.
So does he deserve election?
The record suggests a candidate whose visibility has outpaced his base, whose symbolism has outrun his substance, and whose moment has been manufactured by crisis rather than built through service. That does not mean his political journey ends here. It means it is premature.
Zambian politics has seen many such figures before: charismatic, aggrieved, convinced history has chosen them. Some mature into leaders. Many burn out once emotion meets arithmetic.
Come August 2026, voters will not be electing a lawyer, a spokesman, or a symbolic heir to unresolved grief. They will be electing a president.
For now, Makebi Zulu looks less like a consolidator of power and more like a beneficiary of disorder. And in electoral politics, disorder is a ladder that rarely holds long enough to reach the top.
Next in The Candidates: Populists, pragmatists, and the dark horses redefining Zambia’s 2026 battle.
🔖 Follow our platform as we bring you glimpses of politicians positioning themselves for presidency this year.
ECZ ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF DELIMITATION EXERCISE AND UPDATE ON ROAD FOR THE 2026 ELECTIONS
THE Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) has announced the launch of the Delimitation Exercise alongside an update on the 2026 General Election Roadmap.
In a stakeholder notice dated 3rd February 2026, ECZ invited political parties, civil society organisations and faith-based organisations to the briefing.
The event is scheduled for Friday, 6th February 2026, at 10:00 hours.
It will take place at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre, Old Wing, in Lusaka.
ECZ has also invited the media to cover the meeting.
ZESCO URGED TO EXPLAIN FAST DEPLETION OF PREPAID ELECTRICITY UNITS
By Constance Shilengwe
A concerned Luanshya resident and former Luanshya Mayor, Nathan Chanda, has called on ZESCO to explain the rapid depletion of prepaid electricity units being experienced by customers.
Mr. Chanda says that despite the recent improvement in power supply and the apparent end of load-shedding, households and businesses are now receiving fewer electricity units than before.
He notes that while consistent power supply is welcome, the new Energy Regulation Board approved tariff model, which came into effect on 1st November last year, appears to have increased costs and accelerated the consumption of prepaid units
Mr. Chanda wonders whether the issue is linked to the new tariff structure or faulty prepaid meters, saying many customers may be facing the same challenge.
He has since urged ZESCO management to clearly explain the new tariff model and its impact on prepaid electricity users so that Zambians can plan and budget accordingly.
🔶 IMF’S $190M TO BE SPLIT BETWEEN BUDGET SUPPORT AND RESERVES, MUSOKOTWANE SAY
Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane says Zambia’s $190 million IMF disbursement will be divided between budget support and strengthening reserves. Speaking as the government outlined the latest IMF funding arrangement, Musokotwane said the allocation follows the structure agreed under the IMF-supported programme.
According to the minister, part of the funds will be applied to budget support to help government meet planned expenditures within the approved fiscal framework. He said the remaining portion will be directed toward reserves, which he described as essential for supporting the country’s external position and macroeconomic stability.
Musokotwane said the IMF programme places clear conditions on how funds are used. He said allocations must align with agreed objectives, including fiscal discipline and adherence to programme benchmarks. The minister said the funding is not for discretionary use and is subject to monitoring and review.
He said reserve accumulation remains an important element of the programme, noting that adequate reserves provide a buffer against external pressures. Musokotwane said the government remains committed to meeting performance criteria under the programme and will continue providing updates during programme reviews.
A new gold mine has been discovered in Nakonde District, placing the area among districts that have recently recorded the discovery of untapped mineral resources. The development was reported in the Zambia Daily Mail, which stated that Nakonde is the third district, after Mpika and Shiwan’andu, to confirm such a discovery.
According to the report, the discovery was identified through exploration activities conducted in the district. The article refers to the find as a new gold mine, confirming the presence of gold in Nakonde. No figures are provided regarding the size or scale of the deposit.
The publication notes that Mpika and Shiwan’andu had earlier been reported as having discovered mineral resources. Nakonde’s discovery places it alongside these districts, adding to the list of areas where exploration has revealed mineral potential.
The report does not state whether mining operations have begun in Nakonde following the discovery. It also does not indicate whether any mining licences have been granted or whether further assessments are underway. No companies or entities are named in connection with the exploration or discovery.
The Zambia Daily Mail article does not provide details on the methods used during exploration or the duration of the exploration activities. It confines its reporting to confirming the discovery and identifying Nakonde as part of the recent mineral discoveries recorded in different districts.
The article also does not outline any anticipated economic impact arising from the discovery. There is no reference to employment prospects, investment interest, or infrastructure development linked to the gold find. The report maintains focus on the factual confirmation of the discovery.
By identifying Nakonde as the third district to record such a discovery, the publication places the district within a broader pattern of recent mineral findings. However, the report does not draw comparisons between the discoveries in Nakonde, Mpika, and Shiwan’andu beyond listing them together
The article concludes by restating that gold has been discovered in Nakonde District. No further information is provided regarding next steps or future developments related to the discovery.
GHANA SUSPENDS CITIZENSHIP PROCESS FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT
MORE than 1,000 members of the African diaspora have obtained Ghanaian citizenship in recent years Ghana has paused citizenship applications for members of the African diaspora in order to make the system more accessible and user friendly.
Since 2016, those who can prove their ancestors came from Africa have been able to get Ghanaian nationality. It was primarily aimed at the descendants of those who were victims of the transatlantic slave trade
More than 1,000 people including African American singer-songwriter Stevie Wonder have obtained Ghanaian citizenship in recent years.
However, some applicants have complained about the number of stages involved, as well as the high cost.
Dr Erieka Bennet, ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, which helps people relocate to Ghana, told the BBC that many applicants struggled with the requirement to submit DNA evidence within a week of the application, saying the timeframe was “impossible” for most and that some also questioned the reliability of DNA testing.
She said the one-week deadline for submitting all additional documentation was difficult to meet.
Another concern was cost. The application fee stands at $136 (£100), while shortlisted candidates are required to pay a further $2,280 (£1,700).
They are then vetted and attend a one-day citizenship orientation before finally receiving their nationality at a ceremony overseen by President John Mahama.
Bennet expressed confidence that the issues would be resolved and that the application process would resume.
The government has said updated timelines and guidelines will be issued “in due course”, without giving a timeframe.
Uncertainty around the suspension has caused anxiety for some potential applicants planning their relocation or investments.
Ghana’s outreach to Africans worldwide is rooted in its post-independence Pan-African vision championed by the country’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.
It was relaunched in 2019 as the Year of Return to revive global interest in reconnecting with the country.
Today, members of the diaspora invest in sectors including real estate, agriculture, tech and small businesses, often seeking Ghanaian citizenship so they can own property, vote and access public services.
Countries such as Benin and Sierra Leone also offer citizenship to people of African descent based on verified ancestral ties.
Amid the confusion, factionalism and open warfare consuming the Patriotic Front (PF) and the Tonse Alliance, at least ten individuals fancy themselves as presidential material:
Miles Sampa, Brian Mundubile, Chishimba Kambwili, Given Lubinda, Mutotwe Kafwaya, Greyford Monde, Makebi Zulu, Emmanuel Mwamba, Chitalu Chilufya, and Chanda Katotobwe.
The landscape is fractured.
Brian Mundubile and Mutotwe Kafwaya have effectively exited the main PF orbit through a Tonse Alliance breakaway.
Given Lubinda, Miles Sampa, Chishimba Kambwili and Greyford Monde cluster themselves under the banner of the so-called “true greens.”
Makebi Zulu occupies a lonely lane of political experimentation, openly flirting with the idea of contesting under the NCP.
Chitalu Chilufya appears trapped between two impulses: loyalty to UPND and unresolved presidential ambition though under which party remains unclear.
Emmanuel Mwamba, in exile, disqualifies himself by circumstance.
And then, there is Chanda Katotobwe.
Unlike the rest, Katotobwe has not joined the daily exchange of political blows. He issues no press tantrums. He launches no proxy attacks. His name rarely features in factional skirmishes. He is present very but quiet.
Yet whispers persist. That he has been working quietly beyond Zambia’s borders. That resources are being mobilised. That alliances are being courted away from the noise and spectacle that now defines PF politics.
This silence is not accidental and that is precisely what makes it intriguing.
Within PF and Tonse Alliance, attacks have become routine and predictable.
Lubinda’s camp fires shots at Mundubile’s camp. Makebi’s supporters lob subtle jabs at Mundubile. Mundubile’s camp responds by nightfall.
Even Emmanuel Mwamba who is largely rational and restrained absorbs regular punches.
But no one attacks Katotobwe.
Not publicly. Not indirectly. Not even in passing.
In Zambian politics, this is not normal. Silence is rarely afforded without reason. Either a figure is irrelevant or is strategically untouchable. Katotobwe does not fit the first category.
So how has he remained unscathed in one of the most vicious leadership contests PF has ever witnessed?
That question alone demands serious reflection.
As PF and the Tonse Alliance drift deeper into mutual destruction, unity has become less a strategy and more a miracle. Yet even if unity were somehow achieved, a deeper problem remains: pedigree.
Most active camps appear driven by ego, nostalgia, or grievance rather than discipline, restraint, or conduct befitting leadership. And when leadership is judged not by volume but by behaviour, Katotobwe stands apart.
He minds his business. He avoids theatrics. He does not leak desperation.
Is he widely known? Partially. Is he hated? Hardly.
What exactly is there to hate about a man who refuses to join political mud wrestling while others disfigure themselves daily?
If the repeated claim that “what the opposition needs is leadership” is to mean anything, then leadership must be measured by conduct, not slogans.
With Socialist Party, Citizens First, FDD and others failing to ignite public momentum, the political gravity remains stubbornly fixed on PF fractured as it is.
And within that chaos, the quietest figure may yet prove the most dangerous.The Trojan in PF may not be shouting at the gates.He may already be inside.Absent from the noise.Present in the race.Chanda Katotobwe.
BOZ Wins Case Against Police Officers By Dickson Jere
The Bank of Zambia (BOZ) has won an appeal against police officers seconded to the bank to be paid same dues with those employed by BOZ because they perform same duties and roles.
The over sixty officers seconded to the BOZ based their claims on Cabinet Circular No.3 of 2001 which stated that seconded civil servants should never be disadvantaged in terms of wages when attached to Statutory Bodies and other government departments. The officers further argued that their colleagues who work for BOZ get higher wages and allowances than them who were seconded by Zambia Police but doing same jobs.
However, BOZ argued that this Circular does not bind BOZ, which is an independent constitutional body, and therefore cannot be bound to it.
The High Court heard the case on a preliminary point of law. Having looked at the Circular and how it was couched, the Judge opined that the Circular was addressed to all state institutions and therefore BOZ was bound by virtue of being a state institution.
Unhappy with the decision, BOZ appealed to the Court of Appeal arguing that the Cabinet Circular cannot cover BOZ as it has own structure and conditions of service different from civil service and other government institutions. In fact, it quoted the Constitution of Zambia which states that BOZ will be an independent body not subject to any direction or authority.
Three Judges looked at the appeal and ruled that the case should be remitted back to the High Court for full trial so that both sides should bring evidence to show whether this Cabinet Circular covers BOZ or not.
“Our considered view is that the question raised is one not suitable for determination without the need for a full trial,” the Judges stated.
“The view is fortified by the fact that the determination of whether the Cabinet Office Circular is also addressed to the Appellant and thus binding on the Appellant is one that requires a full trial and evidence to be adduced by both parties in support of their assertions,” the Judges said.
The Court observed that BOZ has a separate legal personality which is separate from government and determines its own conditions of service for its employees and if this Cabinet Circular applied to it, evidence must be adduced in Court.
“Having found merit in the appeal, we allow it. The matter is remitted to the High Court, before another Judge for trial,” the Court ordered.
Case citations- Bank of Zambia v Bernard Fundi (with 59 others) – Appeal No. 291/2024 and Ruling delivered last week 27th January, 2026.
Lecture Notes;
1. The High Court had initially interpreted the Cabinet Circular on preliminary point (without trial) saying the Circular covered BOZ as a state institution. It will be very interesting to see what sort of evidence will be adduced to aid the interpretation as to whether BOZ is covered or not.
2. Zambia Police seconds officers to BOZ who then get integrated into the bank security system. They were same uniforms, same shifts, same transport and same reporting structures but only differs on wages. BOZ insists that the seconded officers are still police officers on ZP payroll and therefore should enjoy those benefits and not BOZ ones.
🟣 MEALIE MEAL, SUGAR, COOKING OIL PRICES DROP AS MANUFACTURERS RESPOND TO GOVT
A fresh round of price reductions has been announced by the Zambia Association of Manufacturers, with mealie meal, sugar, and cooking oil among the products named. ZAM said on Tuesday that over 30 member companies have reduced prices after Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga pushed market players to lower costs.
ZAM President Muhammad Umar said the association views the price adjustments as a response to improved macroeconomic conditions that the group highlighted, including the kwacha’s appreciation and easing inflationary pressures.
ZAM said the purpose is straightforward: reductions must be seen by consumers where it matters most, at the shelf and the checkout.
ZAM provided examples of the price changes. It said Delicious Milling has reduced breakfast mealie meal under the Milling brand from K300 to K260. The association also said a 25-kilogram bag of breakfast mealie meal from Granny’s has been reduced by K300. Cooking oil from Mount Meru was listed among the reduced items, alongside other product lines the association named as part of the broader adjustments.
The association also cited reductions in areas outside basic food, mentioning products such as soya pieces, milk products, and irrigation pipes. ZAM said more companies are expected to issue reductions as they respond to the same call, and it urged retailers to pass on the cuts to consumers rather than keeping the benefit within the supply chain.
ZAM said it will continue engaging government on constraints that still affect costs, while backing national efforts aimed at reducing the cost of living.
