MMD national chairman, Michael Mabenga has advised former Vice-President Enoch Kavindele to stop commenting on issues related to the ruling party because he ceased to be a member of the MMD a long time ago.
Mr Mabenga said Mr Kavindele is not the right person to issue retrogressive statements on the MMD because he is not a member of the ruling party.
“Mr Kavindele ceased to be a member in 2006 when he stood against the MMD and lost to the current Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Daniel Kalenga.
So, he is one of those people who are on the streets without a party and want to identify themselves with the ruling party when they are not,” he said.
Mr Mabenga was reacting to Mr Kavindele’s statement that the MMD will find it difficult to win the Solwezi Central parliamentary by-elections.
This was when Mr Kavindele featured on Radio Phoenix’s ‘Face the media’ programme last Thursday.
Mr Mabenga said Mr Kavindele is forcing himself onto the ruling party.
He said Mr Kavindele has not renewed his membership card for many years and that he does not attend any party functions.
“Ask Mr Kavindele, when did he renew his membership card for him to claim that he is a member of the ruling MMD? As far as I know, he does not belong to the MMD,” Mr Mabenga said.
He accused Mr Kavindele of being one of the people promoting confusion in the ruling party.
Mr Mabenga urged members of the public not to listen to Mr Kavindele because all his attacks on the MMD are baseless.
He said the MMD has done enough ground work and will win the Solwezi parliamentary by- election.
“He is saying bad things about the MMD because he is not part of us (ruling party),” Mr Mabenga said.
But Mr Kavindele said he is still a member of the MMD.
“If I am not a member, why did the party allow me to challenge President Banda 11 months ago during the elections of the MMD presidential candidate?” he asked.
Mr Kavindele said some MMD members are scared of him standing at the convention as party president.
“I know very well that they are scared of me challenging President Banda when the party calls for a convention because I will scoop the seat,” he said.
[Zambia Daily Mail]