28/10/2025
“Politicians Who Send Youths to Destroy Properties are Cowards” – Aspiring MP Lupele Condemns Political Violence
By Dee Zee
CHILILABOMBWE, ZAMBIA – In a bold and unflinching statement that has ignited public discourse, Hon. Kabwe Nsofwa Lupele, the aspiring Member of Parliament for Chililabombwe Constituency, has launched a scathing attack on politicians who he claims exploit young people to perpetrate violence.
“Politicians that send youths to destroy properties and cause violence are just cowards hiding behind you,” Lupele declared, a statement that cuts to the heart of a troubling pattern in the region's political landscape.
The comment, made as the political atmosphere begins to heat up ahead of the 2026 general elections, is being seen as a direct challenge to the tactics of his opponents and a clarion call for a more peaceful and accountable political culture.
A Charge of Cowardice and Exploitation
At its core, Lupele’s statement is a powerful accusation of moral failure. By labeling such politicians as “cowards,” he highlights what many citizens have long observed: that the architects of political violence rarely face the consequences, while the youth on the front lines bear the brunt of legal action, injury, and societal scorn.
The phrase “hiding behind you” is a targeted message to the youth of Chililabombwe. It is simultaneously an indictment of the manipulative leaders and a stark warning to young people not to allow themselves to be used as disposable pawns in a dangerous game.
“This is a classic case of the elite using the vulnerable to do their dirty work,” commented a local political analyst who wished to remain anonymous. “Lupele is trying to break that cycle by naming and shaming the practice. He’s speaking directly to the youth, appealing to their sense of self-worth, and telling them they are worth more than being someone’s political weapon.”
Chililabombwe’s Context and the 2026 Battlefield
Chililabombwe, a pivotal constituency on the Copperbelt, is no stranger to political tension. As a hub of economic and social activity, its electoral outcomes are fiercely contested. In this environment, accusations of intimidation and property destruction during campaign seasons are not uncommon.
By taking this stand, Hon. Lupele is attempting to set a new tone for the 2026 race. He is positioning himself as a leader who confronts uncomfortable truths and champions the interests of the youth, not as tools for violence, but as partners in development.
“This isn’t just a political statement; it’s a strategic move,” said a local community leader. “He is drawing a clear line in the sand. On one side, you have him, ostensibly standing for peace and progress. On the other, he paints his opponents as cowardly and destructive. It’s a powerful way to frame the election.”
Mixed Reactions and the Road Ahead
The statement has predictably drawn mixed reactions. Supporters have flooded social media with praise, hailing Lupele as a “brave voice” and a “true leader” who is not afraid to call out corruption and violence.
“Finally, someone says it! Our children are not thugs for hire. They are the future,” wrote one supporter online.
However, the statement is also likely to draw criticism and denial from political rivals, who may view it as an inflammatory broadside meant to tarnish their reputations. The challenge for Lupele will be to substantiate his claims and maintain this stance in the face of what is expected to be a highly charged campaign.
As Zambia looks toward the 2026 elections, the issues raised by Hon. Kabwe Nsofwa Lupele transcend the borders of Chililabombwe. They speak to a central question of African democracy: will the energy and potential of the youth be channeled into constructive nation-building, or will it continue to be exploited for the short-term gain of a cynical political class?
For now, in the streets of Chililabombwe, a clear message has been sent: the days of politicians hiding behind the violence of the youth may be numbered.
