By SILUMESI MALUMO
FDD president Edith Nawakwi has accused the UPND of funding violence in Kaumbwe and Lusangazi by-elections.
Ms Nawakwi said the cadres who nearly killed PF Kaumbwe constituency chairperson and attacked Msanzala constituency chairperson and other officials were ferried the very day President Hakainde Hichilema came into Eastern Province.
“These cadres were ferried from Lusaka and they came together with Gary Nkombo,” she said.
“I personally interacted with some UPND members and they stressed that they are not happy with the decision made of importing cadres to cause havoc in the areas where by-elections are taking place,” Ms Nawakwi said.
She said it is shocking that UPND can resort to shed blood for Parliamentary and Council chairperson by-elections.
Ms Nawakwi said the head of State should not involve himself in evil acts just to win an election.
“HH who is a young man, he cannot be involved in these acts. He even left K300, 000 to these thugs, this is uncalled for.
“He must know that he is digging his own grave because even the police are tired of the violence being perpetrated by UPND.
“Very soon the UPND will be a finished political party because of the behaviour by leaders and their cadres,” she said.
Ms Nawakwi said the UPND are desperate about winning the Kaumbwe Parliamentary seat so as to have a command in Parliament hence resorting to intimidation in the by-elections.
Ms Nawakwi said “UPND have been trying to buy independent Members of Parliament but they have refused now they are desperate to win the Kaumbwe seat.
PF Msanzala constituency chairperson Maxwell Mwanza who is one of the victims of violence said it is sad that UPND could ferry cadres from Lusaka to cause mayhem during voting day.
He said UPND must learn to practice decent politics unlike what is being done.
And when contacted for a comment, Mr Nkombo’s phone went unanswered.
Meanwhile, UPND Alliance spokesperson Thobo Kawana dismissed the accusations, saying the UPND is a peaceful party and does not condone violence.
Mr Kawana in a separate interview claimed that people attacking the PF officials are villagers who do not want them anymore.
“In fact there is no violence in these by-elections, the environment is peaceful,” he said.
Ends.
