State House denies sponsoring Kasune ouster
By George Zulu
STATE House says it does not have any plans to ouster Minister of Justice Princess Kasune from her Keembe Constituency seat in this year’s elections.
State House Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka told The Mast in an interview President Hakainde Hichilema was not sponsoring anyone in Keembe or any other constituency across the country in the August 13 general elections.
Hamasaka, who laughed when asked to comment on the confusion and infighting among the United Party for National Development (UPND) members allegedly working to remove Kasune as member of Parliament in August, said anyone was free to contest.
“Surely, you people, does it mean that anyone who works at State House or any person close to State House if he has interest in contesting in a particular constituency then they are being funded by the President? President Hichilema is not funding anyone, believe me,” he said.
Hamasaka said there were many other people in the UPND who wanted to contest various positions but were not being sponsored by State House.
“There are mayors, councillors, district commissioners and many other people who have expressed interest in contesting. So, does it mean State House is funding them? No, State House has nothing to do with what is happening in Keembe. It doesn’t mean that just because Chipokota Mwanawasa is close to the President and works at State House, then she is being funded and sponsored by State House,” he said.
Divisions have emerged in the UPND with senior party officials hinting to The Mast that State House was sponsoring certain candidates close to Hichilema to challenge sitting members of Parliament who have falled out of favour.
A source within the UPND National Management Committee (NMC) said Kanyama, Chilanga, Munali, Kafue and Kabwata constituencies in Lusaka Province had candidates allegedly sponsored by State House to ouster the incumbents who were regarded as burdens to the party.
The source said the scheme had been extended to the Copperbelt with Kwacha, Roan, Nchanga, Ndola Central and Kabushi constituencies having more sponsored individuals to challenge the incumbents.
“It is not Kasune alone facing sponsored candidates close to State House. This is a phenomenal undertaking in the UPND. We have this in Mazabuka, we have this in Kabwe Central, Mongu Central and Sesheke,” the source said.
