The Editor Zambia
Former Nkana Member of Parliament and Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance presidential official Binwell Mpundu has drawn widespread condemnation following a video circulating on social media in which he declared that he was prepared “to kill and be killed” ahead of Zambia’s August 13 general election.
The statement is disturbing in its own right, but it also raises a much bigger question: what kind of political culture exists within the Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance that such language can be uttered by one of its senior figures at a critical moment in the electoral process? 
Mpundu works within the Tonse- Pamodzi Alliance presidential office, making his remarks particularly significant because he is not simply an ordinary supporter speaking in isolation.
His position within the presidential campaign structure means that the alliance leadership, especially presidential candidate Brian Mundubile and his running mate Makebi Zulu, are accomplices to such a treasonous statement.
It is clear that the Mundubile, Zulu duo, and the entire alliance leadership discussed and approved Mpundu’s statement before it was released to the public.
Mundubile, as the alliance’s presidential candidate, carries the greatest responsibility for setting the tone of his campaign.
Leadership is not only about celebrating supporters when things are going well; it is also about disciplining those within one’s political structure when they cross the line.
Here, the two gentlemen, Monsieur Mundubile and Monsieur Zulu, are squarely responsible for the ‘I will kill statement from their lieutenant Binwel Mpundu.
The statement has understandably attracted condemnation from civic actors and members of the public. A formal complaint has also reportedly been made to law-enforcement authorities, while police have taken an interest in the matter.
This is because the statement constitutes an offence under Zambian law, meaning appropriate authorities should summon Mpundu and the entire Tonse-Pamodzi Alliance top leadership, including Mundubile and Makebi Zulu.
The controversy is particularly troubling because several actors within the Tonse- Pamodzi Alliance have political roots in the former Patriotic Front (PF).
Zambia’s experience under the PF was frequently marred by political violence, intimidation, and the activities of party cadres. The emergence of a new alliance cannot automatically erase the political culture associated with its constituent actors.
Changing a party name, adopting new colours, or forming a new political coalition does not constitute political transformation unless there is also a genuine rejection of violence and intimidation.
That is why Mpundu’s statement with the approval from Mundubile and Makebi Zulu should not simply be dismissed as an unfortunate political outburst.
The fact that Mundubile and Makebi Zulu have not made their position unmistakably clear by condemning the language of killing, rejecting political violence or holding any campaign officials and supporters accountable is testimony of the duo’s approval of Mpundu’s statement. These are reasonable questions for voters to ask.
Elections are contests for public confidence, not battles for physical survival. Political parties like the UPND that believe they have the support of the people have confidence in the ballot box rather than the threat of force, as Tonse- Pamodzi Alliance leaders are doing.
No political ambition is worth the life of a Zambian. No presidential campaign should encourage supporters to believe that killing or being killed is an acceptable price for political power.
As Zambia approaches August 13, the country needs politicians like President Hakainde Hichilema, who can persuade rather than intimidate, mobilise rather than threaten, and compete rather than destroy.
The ballot box must remain stronger than the panga.
