ROAN PF member of parliament Chishimba Kambwili was yesterday stopped from entering the main arena at this year’s Bwilile traditional ceremony of the Bwile people in Chiengi District.

Kambwili, who was in the company of National Democratic Congress secretary general Mwenya Musenge and party district chairman a Mr. Wansambo, was told he could not proceed to the main arena on instructions of guest of honour, Ronald Chitotela.

Kambwili, who was invited by Chief Puta to the arena, was, however, sent away following the instruction through the chief’s representative. The chief’s representative communicated to Wansambo that the guest of honour, Chitotela and Nickson Chilangwa, had threatened to leave the ceremony if Kambwili was allowed in.

Chitotela and Chilangwa arrived in Chiengi on a ZAF helicopter around 11:00 hours to officiate at the ceremony. Addressing Chiengi district, constituency and ward officials, Kambwili said he had decided to leave in the interest of peace despite having been officially invited by Puta.

Kambwili expressed displeasure that the PF government could “sink so low” as not to allow him to attend public gatherings.

“Abena Chitotela na Chilangwa mwenso bakwete uwakuti nganafika palya abantu balapundilila Imbwili…ngabaleti I am not popular ninshi balenkanisha ukulakumanya abantu (Chitotela and Chilangwa fear me so much that when I arrive there, people will cheer me. If they are saying I am not popular, why are they stopping me from meeting people? ” Kambwili wondered.

He added that the same thing happened in Chifunabuli during the recent by-elections where his rallies were canceled, as it was believed that he would overshadow President Edgar Lungu, who was to campaign in the area the following day. Kambwili, however, asked Musenge to remain and wait for chief Puta so that he could express his displeasure after the ceremony.

This is not the first time Kambwili has been barred from attending a traditional ceremony by the ruling PF. Last year, he was stopped from attending the Ukusefya pa Ngwena of the Bemba speaking people because President Edgar Lungu was in attendance.