Zambia mayor dropped from party after refusing to greet first lady

The mayor of Zambia’s Kitwe city has been stripped off his position in the country’s governing party after refusing to greet the wife of President Edgar Lungu at a church service.

Christopher Kang’ombe was initially suspended from the Patriotic Front (PF) party last week but has now been removed from his post as vice-chairman of the party in the Copperbelt Province.

Mr Kang’ombe will retain his position as Mayor despite being accused of gross indiscipline for failing to line up and greet First Lady Esther Lungu when she visited the area. 

According to local media, during the First Lady’s visit Mr Kang’ombe was offered a back seat during a church service, which he refused. Following the service he then refused to line up and greet Mrs Lungu. 

The report adds that “When the First Lady’s official envoy started off, he pulled away from the convoy and instead drove away”. 

PF’s suspension letter to Mr Kang’ombe said he had shown disrespect to Mrs Lungu and that his actions were tantamount to gross misconduct. 

Photo: Zambia Reports