MDC CONFRONTS MPUNDU

Hikaumba demands retraction as MDC warns ‘ready to kill’ remarks threaten electoral peace

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24, Sunday, August 9, 2026 — The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has confronted former lawmaker Binwell Mpundu over remarks in which he allegedly said he and others were ready to be killed and to kill ahead of Thursday’s general elections.

MDC Vice President Leonard Hikaumba has described the remarks as inflammatory and irresponsible, warning that such language could heighten political tensions and threaten Zambia’s peaceful electoral environment.

Mr Mpundu is reported to have said in a recent video address: “Aya ama elections aya, there is a lot at stake for some of us,” before adding: “We are ready to be killed, and we are ready to kill.”

Mr Hikaumba said the remarks were particularly disturbing coming from a former legislator who should understand the responsibility that comes with political leadership.

He said political competition should never be reduced to a contest where citizens are threatened with violence because of their political choices.

“The ballot box is intended to be a vessel of hope, not a casket for our kin,” Mr Hikaumba said.

He questioned what could be considered so important in an election that political actors would speak in terms of killing or being killed.

Mr Hikaumba said leadership should be about serving and protecting citizens rather than pursuing political power at any cost.

He also questioned whether ordinary Zambians were included in the interests Mr Mpundu referred to when he said there was “a lot at stake for some of us”.

According to Mr Hikaumba, citizens should not become victims of political battles between individuals or groups seeking political power.

He said the right to support a different candidate should never make a Zambian a target of violence.

“Who is the target of this intended violence? Is it the neighbour who dares to vote differently? Is it the public servant upholding the law?” Mr Hikaumba asked.

The MDC Vice President said an election should be decided through the ballot box and not through threats, intimidation or violence.

He has consequently demanded an immediate and unconditional retraction of Mr Mpundu’s remarks, saying such language has no place in a democratic society.

Mr Hikaumba has further called on law enforcement agencies to examine the remarks and take appropriate action, arguing that the law must apply equally to all political actors.

He warned that inflammatory political statements could contribute to an atmosphere of fear and confrontation in the final days before the August 13 polls.

Mr Hikaumba urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and allow citizens to participate freely in the electoral process.

He said political differences should be settled through democratic institutions and the ballot box rather than confrontation.

“Our lives are too precious to be sacrificed on the altar of political desperation,” Mr Hikaumba said.