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Socialist Party (SP) president, Fred M’membe, has dropped National Mobilisation Chairperson, Kelvin Kaunda, moments after Kaunda publicly called for leadership renewal within the party and declared his intention to challenge for the presidency ahead of the 2026 general elections.
In a statement issued on Saturday, M’membe announced Kaunda’s dismissal from his position and removal from the party’s Politburo, saying the decision followed consultations with other senior members.
“After careful consideration of the current happenings and consultation with other Politburo members, we have painfully and with very heavy hearts decided to relieve you of your duties as Mobilisation Secretary and drop you from the Politburo of the Socialist Party with immediate effect,” M’membe stated.
He thanked Kaunda for his past service and contributions to the party.
Earlier, during a media briefing in Lusaka, Kaunda — who also serves as the party’s National Youth Chairperson — announced that he had passed a vote of no confidence in M’membe and Vice President Dr. Cosmas Musumali, urging them to pave the way for youthful leadership.
“We are gathered here this morning to make a very important announcement,” Kaunda said.
He stated that: “After wide consultations and discussions with colleagues in the party and other political stakeholders, I have finally resolved to contest for the position of President in the Socialist Party.”
He emphasised that his decision was not motivated by disrespect toward M’membe or Musumali, but by calls from within the party for new leadership capable of revitalising the SP ahead of the 2026 elections.
“The party further resolved to pass a vote of no confidence in the current leadership led by Dr. Fred M’membe and to call for an immediate convention in line with the Party’s Constitution,” he stated.
Kaunda attributed the call for change to declining performance in by-elections and communication breakdowns within party structures.
“Our members have witnessed a sharp decline in performance during by-elections — something that clearly calls for change of leadership at the top. Furthermore, the broken communication channels within the party have greatly contributed to a loss of confidence among members across the country — something we can’t sit and watch anymore,” he said.
He added that it was time for the older generation of leaders to hand over the reins. “We believe the current top leadership have done their part, and it’s time they passed the leadership mantle to another generation that will foster new ideas to grow the party,” Kaunda said.
Kaunda directed all party structures to begin preparations for a convention to elect new leaders and urged members to remain peaceful and avoid violence.
“To our supporters across the country, we appeal for calm as the party goes through this transition period, and we call for patience and restraint to any form of violent conduct and behavior that would breach the peace that this great nation has forever enjoyed,” he said.
Kaunda also thanked M’membe and Musumali for their efforts and dedication to the party, describing their contributions as “inspirational and admirable.”
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