SP PRESIDENT DR FRED M’MEMBE CONDEMNS KANYAMA VIOLENCE
….Says Political Intimidation Will Not Stop the People’s Demand for Change.
Lusaka, Zambia – June 28, 2026
Socialist Party President Dr. Fred M’membe has strongly condemned the violence that disrupted the Socialist Party’s campaign meeting in Kanyama, describing it as a desperate attempt to intimidate the opposition as the country heads towards the August 13, 2026 General Elections.
Speaking on Prime TV’s Matters programme on Saturday night, Dr. M’membe said the attack left several Socialist Party officials injured, including the party’s parliamentary candidate for Makeni, Harriet Bwalya Mulenga Katanekwa, whose mobile phone was allegedly stolen during the incident.
Dr. M’membe explained that the party’s final presidential campaign engagement in Lusaka Province was interrupted before it could begin after groups of suspected UPND supporters, reportedly arriving in three buses, stormed the venue and caused chaos.
He condemned the violence in the strongest terms, stating that political violence has no place in a democratic society.
“Violence is not a political tool for winning elections. If anything, Zambians abhor violence. There is no political doctrine that justifies this type of behaviour. It is barbaric,” Dr. M’membe said.
Responding to suggestions that the incident resulted from competing political activities in the area, Dr. M’membe maintained that the disruption was deliberate and organised.
He warned that those responsible for acts of political violence would ultimately be held accountable under the law, regardless of political affiliation.
Dr. M’membe further alleged that the Socialist Party has repeatedly faced attacks during by-elections over the past five years, claiming that party members and property have been targeted while those responsible have largely escaped prosecution.
Commenting on the upcoming elections, Dr. M’membe expressed confidence in his party’s electoral prospects, arguing that growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration was driving support for the opposition. He also voiced concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
The Socialist Party has called on law enforcement agencies to conduct thorough and impartial investigations into the Kanyama incident and urged all political parties to reject violence and allow citizens to campaign and vote freely.
As Zambia prepares for the August 13 General Elections, the Socialist Party says it remains committed to peaceful campaigning, democratic principles, and offering Zambians an alternative vision for the country’s future.
SP PRESIDENT DR FRED M’MEMBE CONDEMNS KANYAMA VIOLENCE….Says Political Intimidation Will Not Stop the People’s Demand for Change.
