I HAVE RETIRED FROM POLITICS, I’M NOT PREPARED TO LOSE MY LIFE OVER POLITICS – Simataa
I HAVE RETIRED FROM POLITICS, I’M NOT PREPARED TO LOSE MY LIFE OVER POLITICS – Simataa
Mainda Simataa, who ran as an independent for the Kabwata parliamentary seat this year, has announced his retirement from politics with immediate effect, not because he lost, he says, but because of safety.
“I am not prepared to lose my life over politics and leave my family behind. Unlike elections, there is no bouncing back from loss of life,” he said, describing the current political environment as “too toxic, too intolerant, and even dangerous.”
He was a previously a UPND member and served as Kamwala Ward Councillor under the ruling party, before resigning from the party in May 2026 over what he called undemocratic laws and going on to run as an independent MP challenger.
During the campaign, he accused UPND of offering him bribes and threats to withdraw, and asked supporters to screenshot his post in case anything happened to him.
He writes below:
RETIREMENT FROM ACTIVE POLITICS – MYSELF
Fellow citizens, family, friends, and followers, I wish to announce to you my retirement from active Zambian politics with immediate effect.
As many of you are aware, I recently ran for election as an Independent MP for Kabwata Constituency, and I lost. However, that temporary setback is not the reason for my early retirement from Zambian politics.
The thing is this: I am not prepared to lose my life over politics and leave my family behind. Unlike elections, there is no bouncing back from loss of life.
Therefore, given my analysis of the current hostile political environment which, in my view, has become too toxic, too intolerant, and even dangerous for politicians such as myself, I have chosen to step aside.
Zambia and its people are my first love, and even in retirement, there is always a part of me that will look behind and hope that all things work out for the best.
I thank you all that have walked this journey with me.
God bless you all, and God bless mother Zambia.
Retired Hon. Mainda Simataa
Former Kabwata aspiring MP
Former Kamwala Ward Councillor