SHE SLAPPED ME
…Violent UPND chairlady attacks MP Chisenga
By Thandizo Banda
MAMBILIMA Patriotic Front (PF) Member of Parliament Jean Chisenga has recounted how she was violently attacked within Parliament grounds by a United Party for National Development (UPND) chairlady.
Youthful Chisenga said in an interview with The Mast yesterday the attack happened inside Parliament Restaurant as President Hakainde Hichilema was delivering the opening speech of the 5th Session of the 13th National Assembly.
“I left the House to meet my guest who was in the restaurant. Upon arrival the chairlady, who was in the company of other UPND cadres, shouted that ‘so this is the young girl who insults our President’? She then slapped me in full view of helpless police officers from Zambia Police Service and National Assembly,” she said.
Chisenga, 35, who is Luapula Province Patriotic Front (PF) youth chairperson, was expected to officially report the matter to police on yesterday.
She said so violent was the attack that she was forced to seek refuge in the company of some opposition MPs, who shielded her from the thugs.
“The rule is that members of Parliament are supposed to be protected from any form of harm or attack whilst on Parliament grounds but this is not the case any more,” Chisenga said.
She said the attack was well planned and coordinated by the UPND cadres.
Chisenga recalled how former Lumezi MP Munir Zulu was allegedly attacked in a similar manner at National Assembly car park by a fellow MP and UPND minister.
“We [opposition MPs] are not safe any more. We have become very vulnerable under the current administration,” she said.
“It is actually the first time ever in the history of Zambia such things are happening in the precincts of the House as the Presidential address is being made,” she said.
Chisenga urged police to act on the matter and National Assembly to take keen interest at reports of harassment of opposition MPs by UPND cadres.
She decried the political persecution and harassment she has endured as an opposition MP.
“I have been through a lot, but I shall not give up because I still have a lot to share and deliver to my beloved people of Mambilima,” Chisenga said.
She said she had been humiliated and suspended from the House and recalled how Parliament was mysteriously burnt by unknown people.
Chisenga said she would not encourage other Zambian youths to join politics under the current government given the current alarming levels of intolerance especially towards those with opposing voices by members of the ring party.
“I’m quite candid when you ask for my views on young aspirants. They might not want to be where I am standing right now. It’s rough but through perseverance and commitment, we are able to forge ahead,’ she said.
By press time The Mast was making efforts to find out from the police whether Chisenga had reported the assault or identified her assailant.
