Citizens First leader, Kalaba, accuses UPND of shielding corrupt individuals through party defections

Citizens First (CF) Party president, Harry Kalaba, has alleged that some individuals facing prosecution or being investigated for corruption are joining the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) to seek protection from legal action.

Speaking at a media briefing on Wednesday at the CF Secretariat in Lusaka, Kalaba said this trend had created a perception that membership in the ruling party guarantees immunity from prosecution.

“There is a growing view that no matter what one does, as long as they are in the ruling party, they are safe,” Kalaba said.

He criticised the UPND’s anti-corruption efforts, noting that four years into its term, the government had shown little tangible progress in tackling corruption, especially beyond cases involving former Patriotic Front (PF) officials.

“It is our well-founded position in CF that the fight against corruption must not be based on political leaning or patronage,” he said.

Kalaba stressed that the anti-corruption fight must be objective and intentional, beginning with President Hakainde Hichilema declaring his assets to enhance transparency and accountability.

He pledged that a future CF government would investigate historical corruption and tackle ongoing irregularities in key sectors such as petroleum procurement, fertilizer distribution, mining license allocations, and civil service recruitment.

“We will ensure that the Anti-Corruption Commission is removed from the presidency and granted full autonomy to investigate corruption independently,” Kalaba said.

He also demanded full disclosure from the government on the controversial drug procurement deal involving Egypt, which has led to the withdrawal of American health aid.

Kalaba questioned the role of the Zambia Medicines Regulatory Authority (ZAMRA) in the deal and urged the government to clarify the status and safety of the 61 containers of drugs involved.

“Can the government tell us how safe those drugs are, and who certified them? Or should we engage the World Health Organisation (WHO) to raise our concerns?” he asked.

Kalaba condemned government’s criticism of the U.S. Ambassador, who he said appeared more concerned for the welfare of Zambians than local officials.

“It is inappropriate for the government to hide behind the Geneva Convention while failing to address its own governance shortcomings,” he said.

Kalaba reminded authorities that U.S. support had long been rooted in principles of accountability, good governance, and freedom of expression.

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