He Is Protecting His US$4 Million Eagle Milling Scandal by Spreading a False Narrative Rather than taking responsibility and addressing the chaos, Simuuwe, the ruling party’s Media Director, resorted to dogma in what appears to be a desperate attempt to win sympathy and shift blame onto the opposition. Such an attempt to insult the intelligence of any reasonable person is not only callous but deeply disturbing, particularly when it comes from someone who once sought parliamentary office but ultimately failed to secure it. His President later issued what many considered a feeble statement condemning the violence perpetrated by UPND cadres.
In Kitwe, a bus linked to President Hakainde Hichilema’s operative — a Habasimbi — is a material of interest. Widespread violence has previously been witnessed during the UPND’s own intra-party adoption process. It has occurred in Kaputa among UPND cadres, been witnessed in Magoye, and also recorded in Bweengwa, Choma and Monze — all involving UPND members.
In Mazabuka, violence has likewise occurred between rival UPND factions: those supporting independent candidate Garry Nkombo and those backing President Hichilema. Yesterday, that violence extended, as in parts of North-Western Province, beyond internal UPND disputes and targeted opposition leader Mundubile. In typical UPND fashion, blame is once again directed at the opposition.
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How are Zambians expected to accept such claims with Mark “Eagle Milling” Simuuwe at the centre of this narrative? Simuuwe may convince UPND supporters and those willing to believe him unquestioningly, but he cannot deceive everyone all the time. He may believe he is clever today, but even the President’s chief political messenger cannot remain convincing indefinitely.
The Zambia Police should investigate Simuuwe’s statements and determine whether any laws have been broken by the publication of information that could inflame public tensions or misrepresent events. His public assertions deserve careful scrutiny alongside any investigation into the violence itself. The continued violence suggests that those responsible have little regard for peace or democratic principles.
The President’s restrained response has done little to reassure the nation that there is sufficient political will to decisively confront political violence. This is why Simuuwe must be stopped from spreading a false and misleading narrative of events. Zambia deserves peace.
Zambia deserves a free, fair and credible election. Stop the violence. Stop spreading false narratives.
Take responsibility and ensure that all political actors are held accountable so that the country can move forward peacefully. It’s disgusting to watch Zambian elections degenerate into a bloodbath.
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