By SANFROSSA MANYINDA
EMBATTLED Kitwe Mayor, Christopher Kang’ombe, has said there was clearance to proceed with the press conference from the necessary authorities, the reason for which he has been suspended from the Patriotic Front (PF) for alleged gross misconduct.
Mr Kan’gombe was suspended together with former Kitwe District Commissioner, Binwell Mpundu from the Patriotic Front. According to the letter of suspension, Mr Mpundu has been suspended for gross misconduct. But Mr Mpundu, who confirmed receiving the letter of suspension, insisted that the move was a political process meant to take his eyes off the ball. “But I wish to assure you all that I am not moved as I remain resolute in my quest to help mobilise for President Edgar Lungu for 2021 and I will continue to support the party even behind prison walls,” he said. Mr Kang’ombe confirmed receiving the letter of suspension but asked the party to guide him as he had personally sought guidance on how to proceed with his ambitions to stand as an MP. He also said that there was no element of insubordination on their part in having the press briefing since the press briefing took place after the vice President had left the City. “I decided to consult the party on the possibility of me contesting where I grew up in Ndeke and Ndeke Village (currently Kamfinsa Constituency) which would form part of the new Constituency to be created after the delimitation exercise,” he said. Mr Kang’ombe said he was guided to begin establishing himself in Kamfinsa Constituency as well in order to avoid friction with Kwacha Constituency MP Joseph Malanji who he said kept complaining about his mayoral work in the six wards of his constituency for three years. According to the party, the suspension was in line with the PF constitution under the discipline and sanctions act number 26 and 29 (a) (b) (c) and (p). PF Kitwe district chairman Evaristo Chilufya, said the ruling party had noted that Mr Kang’ombe had continued campaigning in Kamfinsa constituency disregarding the directive from the Central Committee not to campaign in constituencies held by PF Members of Parliament. The Central Committee has also directed members not to campaign in constituencies held by Independent MPs, who were working with the party. “This has been going on for some time now despite much counsel given to you to abide by the central committee’s directive. “You also held a press briefing knowing fully well that the Vice President Inonge Wina and party Secretary-General Davies Mwila were in the district on official duties,” Mr Chilufya stated in the letter of suspension availed to the Daily Nation. Mr Chilufya also said that Mr Kang’ombe went to address people in Luyando community in Mindolo area on an issue the Vice President had already tackled. He added that the mayor’s case had been forwarded to the provincial PF committee for onward submission to the Central Committee for further disciplinary sanctions. Mr Kang’ombe is serving a 90-day suspension along with other councillors at the Kitwe City Council after Government moved in to restore land maladministration.
Suspended Kitwe mayor asks for guidance
