Don’t politicise Kambwili’s sickness - Mumbi
IT is typical of the UPND to use Chishimba Kambwili’s sickness to gain political capital, says UPND former spokesperson, Edward Mumbi.
Mr Mumbi said Mr Kambwili was still a Member of Parliament and therefore government had every right to care for his wellbeing.
Reacting to UPND vice president Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba’s statement that it was foolish and persecution for government to try to move Mr Kambwili to any hospital, Mr Mumbi said there was nothing sinister about government offering to help a public officer with treatment options.
He told the Daily Nation in an interview that it was not surprising that Mr Mwamba was being mischievous in a quest for popularity as he had nothing to offer.
“There is nothing wrong with government offering to evacuate Mr Kambwili if it will assist in his treatment, it has always been happening with our leaders, even late president Michael Sata when he was in the opposition he was taken to South Africa for treatment.
“And many other politicians and public figures have been given similar service, so the issue of persecution really is a sham,” Mr Mumbi said.
He said it was characteristic of the UPND to ride on trivial issues to seek public attention.
Mr Mumbi said it was not the first time the UPND had decided to use such unconventional means to get political support and public attention.
He said unfortunately most Zambians were aware that there was nothing wrong in government assisting Mr Kambwili.
“I do not think that Mr Mwamba is Mr Kambwili’s family spokesperson, government has every right to propose options for Mr Kambwili and in this case the family refused, so how does Mr Mwamba come out and say Mr Kambwili is being persecuted,” Mr Mumbi said.
He said politicians should realise that there was time to play politics and time to show leadership.
Mr Mumbi said it was sad that the UPND had continued to use unfortunate circumstances such as sickness to gain popularity.
He said that Mr Kambwili was being given an opportunity to prove his innocence over corruption allegations.
“Also we must realise that Mr Kambwili said he was clean and this is a chance for him to prove that he is innocent, because the law is clear that everyone is innocent until proven guilty,” Mr Mumbi said.