Kalaba gives himself a 'thunderous welcome'

Sat, 20 Jan 2018 12:58:32 +0000

By CHITE MTONGA

FORMER Foreign Affairs Minister, Harry Kalaba, yesterday mobilised hundreds of PF members to welcome him in Mansa in an effort to show that he is popular in the area.

The event was staged at Mansa airport. Over 500 PF members were drawn from the 11 districts of Luapula Province courtesy of Mr Kalaba.

Mr Kalaba used the event to demonstrate that he was still enjoying massive support in his constituency following his resignation as minister.

“Mr Kalaba wants to send a message to the PF that he can frustrate the party if it decides to expel him. Most of the people you saw are not from his constituency or Mansa,” said a PF member close to Mr Kalaba.

The source believed that  some PF Bahati Constituency and  Mansa district officials organised the members on behalf of Mr Kalaba.

“If you have followed politics in Luapula you will recall that there are two officials who have been repeatedly accused of frustrating PF in the area to champion the agenda of Mr Kalaba, allegations which the two have publicly denied,” explained the source.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kalaba said he was overwhelmed by the “love and support” he received from the people who welcomed him.

“I am humbled by this incredible gesture by my people. Thank you Luapula. We can be the change we seek as well put by Barack Obama in his latest book,” said Mr Kalaba on his Facebook post yesterday.