By Daily Revelation Editor
There has been a lot of talk surrounding the recent defection of Innocent Kalimanshi and co. to the UPND. The public is rightly questioning why the ruling party which was elected on the platform of ending caderism, and had expressed commitment towards doing so after being elected into office, would suddenly be welcoming the same people who were heavily involved in violent caderism during the reign of the PF administration in office.
Kalimanshi was not just a mere cadre actually. He was a leader of the notorious group then called “ama Amelican.” We can safely say that the activities of Kalimanshi and his group contributed heavily towards the PF loss in the 2021 general elections, as the caderism on display was at odds with the civility majority of Zambians have been known for for ages.
After the PF lost power, Kalimanshi of course faced some issues with the law after the magistrates court sentenced him to one-year imprisonment with hard labour for trafficking in 2grammes of marijuana.
Fast forward, Kalimanshi has now joined the ruling UPND. When queried why they were now admitting the same Kalimanshi they denounced not too long ago, the UPND leaders offered full throated defence of their new members, saying they had repented because they apologised publicly over the past misdeeds. Whether that is true or false, only time will tell.
What people may probably question is the intention behind the decision to suddenly start attracting people whom they despised not too long ago. Are they simply being true to themselves? As in politicians often saying or condemning one thing and doing the exact opposite of what they are condemning? Have they noticed some asset value in Kalimanshi and his fellow defectors politically, which they hope to exploit ahead of the August 13, 2026 general election? We say so because while people like Kalimanshi and co. will be repudiated by many out there, they also boast a certain influence, almost religious influence, among their own followers. Or have they simply now come to that season where it just dawns on people to change their ways in order to become responsible citizens who wish to conduct their politics with civility? Others may still wonder if the motivation is money oriented, since there is likely to be plenty of it given the campaign season we are fast entering into? Like we said, time will tell.
However, while holding on to our skepticism, probably we could just spare some little benefit of doubt towards our former violent brothers, as life always provides us a second chance to right our own past failures or missteps. Probably this could be the second chance Kalimanshi and his fellow Amelicans were waiting for. Let’s see if they will take it and become responsible citizens going forward.
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By Daily Revelation Editor
There has been a lot of talk surrounding the recent defection of Innocent Kalimanshi and co. to the UPND. The public is rightly questioning why the ruling party which was elected on the platform of ending caderism, and had expressed commitment towards doing so after being elected into office, would suddenly be welcoming the same people who were heavily involved in violent caderism during the reign of the PF administration in office.
Kalimanshi was not just a mere cadre actually. He was a leader of the notorious group then called “ama Amelican.” We can safely say that the activities of Kalimanshi and his group contributed heavily towards the PF loss in the 2021 general elections, as the caderism on display was at odds with the civility majority of Zambians have been known for for ages.
After the PF lost power, Kalimanshi of course faced some issues with the law after the magistrates court sentenced him to one-year imprisonment with hard labour for trafficking in 2grammes of marijuana.
Fast forward, Kalimanshi has now joined the ruling UPND. When queried why they were now admitting the same Kalimanshi they denounced not too long ago, the UPND leaders offered full throated defence of their new members, saying they had repented because they apologised publicly over the past misdeeds. Whether that is true or false, only time will tell.
What people may probably question is the intention behind the decision to suddenly start attracting people whom they despised not too long ago. Are they simply being true to themselves? As in politicians often saying or condemning one thing and doing the exact opposite of what they are condemning? Have they noticed some asset value in Kalimanshi and his fellow defectors politically, which they hope to exploit ahead of the August 13, 2026 general election? We say so because while people like Kalimanshi and co. will be repudiated by many out there, they also boast a certain influence, almost religious influence, among their own followers. Or have they simply now come to that season where it just dawns on people to change their ways in order to become responsible citizens who wish to conduct their politics with civility? Others may still wonder if the motivation is money oriented, since there is likely to be plenty of it given the campaign season we are fast entering into? Like we said, time will tell.
However, while holding on to our skepticism, probably we could just spare some little benefit of doubt towards our former violent brothers, as life always provides us a second chance to right our own past failures or missteps. Probably this could be the second chance Kalimanshi and his fellow Amelicans were waiting for. Let’s see if they will take it and become responsible citizens going forward.
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