Makebi Zulu says he was blocked from leaving Zambia at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, describing the incident as a breach of constitutional rights and a sign of tightening political space ahead of the August 13 general election.
The episode, which he says occurred as he attempted to travel for engagements outside the country, raises questions about whether political participation now carries informal restrictions imposed by those in office. His position is clear: contesting leadership does not suspend a citizen’s right to movement.
The incident comes at a time when political activity is intensifying across the country, with multiple actors positioning themselves ahead of the polls. Zambia’s Constitution guarantees freedom of movement, and no statute requires political figures to seek clearance from government officials before travelling. Zulu argues that any deviation from this principle shifts authority from law into discretionary control.
He frames the experience as part of a broader pattern. In his account, the line between governance and control is narrowing, with state power extending into areas traditionally protected by constitutional safeguards. Once movement becomes conditional, he argues, the foundation of political participation begins to weaken.
Zulu links the moment directly to the electoral calendar. With August 13 approaching, he suggests that such incidents carry weight beyond personal inconvenience, shaping perceptions of how freely political actors can operate. He casts the restriction as a form of political pressure, describing it as reliance on limitation rather than open contest.
His remarks also highlight the tension between institutional authority and political neutrality. When actions affecting opposition figures occur without transparent legal grounding, scrutiny shifts toward the institutions involved and the conditions under which they operate.
The argument rests on a central premise: rights must apply uniformly, regardless of political alignment. Any inconsistency, he says, turns isolated incidents into matters of national concern, particularly in an election year where credibility depends on equal treatment.
Zulu’s closing message — “Makebi For President – 2026” — places the incident within a campaign framework, signalling that the issue will form part of his political narrative in the months leading to the vote.
Another one sided story………….
Just like the mundubile story……….rushing to print one sided accounts , not even a effort of trying to phone the Home Secretary or spokes person..……
only to find mundubile has a case to answer………..
What we know is that this is the time to go outside the country to collect stolen monies to unseat GRZ……….
FWD2041
Boring
Any minor grievance they have leads to complaints about political space. These criminals have embezzled an excessive amount of Eurobond funds. The majority of Zambians remain oblivious to this reality.
Iwe Makebi! It’s not allowed to fly out representing Zambia in jeans. Have you ever seen HH fly out in such kaponya dress? These are instructions from Community House!
Unfortunately most will wake up when its too late
KK era here we come
The devils advocate…..knows where the loot ECL stole is hidden.
Just a matter of time before reality catches up with him
On point………..
The stolen money will show up now…….
Needed for campaigning
FWD2041
Does he know Thabo Bester? At least that would be interesting
Stop using KK international Airport. Use the bushpaths that we utilized during smuggling times!
I agree with Spaka….these guys are just rushing to the Media….its probably immigration officials doing their job but since these Politicians are always seeking attention the quickly say they’ve been stopped….nonsense….they just want to be in the news….as far a i know everyone passing through any Airport in the world is briefly stopped…..you don’t just walk through any Airport or Border…useless opposition
Um! kwena uli chipuba. Bushe banoko batuntulu pakufyala ichipuba ngaiwe?
The gift that keeps on giving. Losers will keep on whining even after the election.