Hon Kampyongo’s Questionable Credentials

According to Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo, police are well equipped and ready to protect the upcoming elections on August 12. 

The minister has noted that government has invested in equipment for the police to support them in the performance of their duties. 

“We have fully equipped the Zambia Police and they are ready to police the forthcoming general elections,” said Mr. Kampyongo is quoted as stating. 

However, his comments have touched on some sensitivities. 

Firstly, relating to the amount the government has channelled into security and public order in recent times which outstrips the amount spent on many vital public services. 

Secondly, there are sensitivities relating to the minister's peace-loving credentials. The Minister, who is re-contesting the Shiwang’andu seat in the upcoming elections, has previously faced allegations that he engineered violence during the 2015 Presidential Election campaign in Shiwang’andu District. The claims related to an incident in which members of the UPND leadership, including the party’s current Vice-President Mutale Nalumango and former First Lady of Zambia Maureen Mwanawasa, came under attack when landing in the area via helicopter during the campaigns, forcing them to flee and risking a potentially fatal incident. During 2016 campaigns alleged PF cadres attempted to bring down a helicopter carrying UPND officials in the area. The opposition was once again attacked in the run up to 2018 local government by-elections. 

Hon Kampyongo has denied any involvement in these incidents on more than one occasion, as well as allegations that he used government vehicles to carry out his campaigns. However, following Kampyongo’s appointment as minister, petitioners to the Commission of Inquiry into voting patterns and electoral violence claimed that his appointment to the position suggested that the government was endorsing violence.