People Will Come and Go, But Citizens First Will Remain – Kalaba

Citizens First (CF) president Harry Kalaba has dismissed suggestions that recent defections from his party signal internal instability, insisting that political organisations naturally gain and lose members over time.

Speaking on Prime TV's Matters Arising programme, Mr Kalaba was asked about a series of high-profile departures from his party and alliance, including former running mate Moses Nawa and former ally Greyford Monde, who recently joined the ruling UPND Alliance.

The interviewer also referenced Mr Kalaba's earlier fallout with the Democratic Party before he formed Citizens First, arguing that several prominent figures had continued to leave his political camp.

Responding to the concerns, Mr Kalaba compared Citizens First to a bus travelling towards its destination.

"I've always likened our party to a bus. A bus that starts from Lusaka going to Kawambwa. It might stop in Chisamba and some people get off, but that doesn't mean the bus was only going to Chisamba. The bus will still reach its destination."

Mr Kalaba said Citizens First remains focused on its long-term vision despite recent defections.

He argued that people joining and leaving political parties is a normal feature of democratic politics and should not be interpreted as a sign of weakness.

"People come, people go. The more others go, the more others join."

The Citizens First leader also said alliances are dynamic by nature and that political partners sometimes choose different paths when they no longer share the same objectives.

Quoting Amos 3:3, he said:

"Two cannot walk together unless they agree."

Mr Kalaba added that those who decide to leave the party should be free to do so without resentment.

"Those who go, bye-bye. Those who come, you're welcome."

He further argued that the movement of people in and out of Citizens First demonstrates that the party remains active and politically relevant.

According to Mr Kalaba, political parties that attract little attention rarely experience the same level of movement because they do not generate similar public interest.

The Citizens First leader is currently campaigning across the country ahead of the 13 August General Election, where he is seeking to become Zambia's next President.