In a time when Zambia is crying out for transparent leadership and political maturity, recent revelations through a leaked audio involving Hon. Robert Muchintha Chabinga have cast a long shadow on the credibility of his political standing. The contents of the audio have raised grave questions about Mr. Chabinga’s integrity, loyalty, and the appropriateness of his continued presence in any meaningful leadership role especially as a purported “Leader of the Opposition” in Parliament under the PF.
As the nation processes the implications of the leaked conversation, one thing is abundantly clear: President Hakainde Hichilema must now draw a decisive line. Political alliances that undermine public trust, fuel speculation, or taint the government’s commitment to clean governance must be promptly and publicly severed.
Mr. Chabinga’s controversial rise as a self-proclaimed opposition leader, despite lacking a legitimate mandate from the PF’s central committee or grassroots structures, has long been a matter of discomfort for many. The recent leaked audio allegedly exposing underhanded political dealings now confirms what many suspected: that his actions may not be guided by the interests of the people or the integrity of Zambia’s democratic processes.
Rather than take ownership of the content or offer a credible explanation, Mr. Chabinga chose instead to insult the collective intelligence of the Zambian people by claiming the audio was “AI-generated”. Such a claim not only trivializes the seriousness of the issue but also demonstrates a staggering level of disrespect toward the electorate and all stakeholders in our democratic process. It is a weak response to a matter of national concern, and further reinforces why he is unfit to hold any leadership position.
President Hichilema, as Head of State and leader of the ruling UPND, cannot afford to ignore the reputational risk of being perceived as tacitly aligned with questionable political figures. Continued association or perceived endorsement of Mr. Chabinga undermines the President’s stated commitment to democratic reform, institutional independence, and respect for party sovereignty.
Moreover, President Hichilema has worked tirelessly to differentiate his administration from the opaque practices of past regimes. Allowing individuals like Chabinga whose legitimacy and conduct are in serious question to remain in proximity to power and parliamentary influence is a contradiction to that agenda.
It is time for a clear and principled stance:
✅ The Patriotic Front must disown Robert Chabinga and formally remove him from any claim to leadership within the party. The legitimacy of opposition leadership must stem from intra-party consensus, not backdoor arrangements or convenient political endorsements.
✅ Parliament must reconsider Chabinga’s status under the lens of constitutional procedure and party accountability. Allowing him to continue under false pretenses sets a dangerous and undemocratic precedent.
✅ President Hichilema should distance himself publicly and politically from Mr. Chabinga and reaffirm his government’s commitment to working with only those who are legitimately and transparently elected or appointed.
Zambia needs a strong, ethical opposition just as much as it needs an accountable government. The democratic contract between leaders and the people must never be reduced to leaked backroom deals, deceptive narratives, or individuals who manipulate public institutions for personal gain.
Time for President Hichilema to Disengage from Robert Chabinga has come so that he shows Leadership and Integrity.
In this pivotal moment, President Hichilema has the opportunity to lead by example by upholding integrity above convenience and choosing national interest over quiet compromise.
Zambians deserve better and they are watching. 📌 🚶🏿♂️
Simon Mulenga Mwila
Aspiring Mayor of Lusaka
