Kalaba Slams Police for Blocking Chingola Campaign Rally

By Pauline Ngozoh

Citizens First party President Harry Kalaba has condemned police for stopping a planned campaign procession in Chingola on the Copperbelt. The incident occurred within hours of the Inspector General of Police issuing a public statement on political violence.

Kalaba said officers informed the party that proceeding with activities in the area would pose a security risk, and that police were already waiting for them immediately after they left a radio program.

According to Kalaba, the party had fulfilled all required procedures for the rally. He described the police action as unjustified and politically motivated, and said no credible evidence was provided to support the security concerns raised.

He added that such interference is becoming a recurring pattern ahead of the elections and amounts to an attack on democratic freedoms guaranteed in the Zambian Constitution.

Kalaba stated that Citizens First will not be intimidated by heavy-handed tactics and will continue to engage supporters peacefully despite the obstacles. The development was contained in a statement issued by CF Presidential Media Coordinator Bangwe Naviley Chisenga.