Lungu in Siavonga for campaigns

President Lungu on arrival in Siavonga

President Edgar Lungu has arrived in Siavonga to hold a campaign rally. He is also expected to check on progress on the constitution of the Bottom Road as well as other developmental projects. He will later proceed to Chirundu for another rally.

“Today I will travel to Siavonga and Chirundu. I will continue to ask for peace and unity for our great nation. Join me at 12:00 hrs in Siavonga and 15:00 hrs in Chirundu. Our future lies in peace. Our coat of arms always reminds me that we are One Zambia One Nation,” reads an earlier post on his Facebook page.

But a clergyman has warned President Lungu against “provoking” the people of Siavonga by campaigning in the area at a time they are hurting following the death of UPND cadre Mapenzi Chibulo at the hands of the Zambia Police on Friday.

Chibulo, who was allegedly shot in the head as police resorted to the use of live ammunition to break up a UPND protest march in Chawama are, reportedly hails from Siavonga.

In a statement to Zambian Eye yesterday, Bishop Simon Chihana pleaded with President Lungu not to travel to Southern Province today as it is known already by the public that the one of the people that were shot and ended up dying comes from the area.

He said the President must avoid creating more fire and anger in the hearts of the people.

“If president Lungu goes there in Southern Province, then it is even much more clear that he wants to provoke the southern people and wants to suspend these elections with a further accusation on the southern people that they are violent when he is the perpetuator and perpetrator. For now it is very clear that he has very wrong motives concerning Zambia,” Bishop Chihana said.