SHADRECK KASANDA REFUSES TO ENDORSE MUNDUBILE, I’M A BUSINESSMAN, HE SAYS

LUSAKA – In a significant development reverberating through Zambia's political circles, prominent businessman and entrepreneur Shadreck Kasanda has firmly refused to endorse the presidential candidacy of Brian Mundubile. Kasanda, known for his various business ventures and a public profile that has often intersected with national discourse, stated unequivocally, "I'm a businessman," signaling his intention to remain ostensibly apolitical in the upcoming electoral contest. This declaration comes at a crucial juncture in Zambian politics, where endorsements from influential figures can sway public opinion and lend considerable weight to a candidate's campaign. Kasanda's decision is particularly noteworthy given the intense political climate surrounding the 2026 general elections, where Brian Mundubile is a key opposition figure. Mundubile, a seasoned politician and former Leader of the Opposition, is currently the presidential candidate for the Tonse–PF Pamodzi Alliance, running on a National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) ticket. His campaign has been actively seeking to consolidate support across various sectors, making Kasanda's refusal a visible setback, or at the very least, a missed opportunity for a high-profile backing. The businessman's assertion of his non-political identity underscores a broader trend among some Zambian entrepreneurs who prefer to distance their commercial interests from partisan politics, aiming for stability regardless of the electoral outcome. However, Kasanda's claim of being solely a businessman has been met with scrutiny in some quarters, given his past public engagements and controversies. He has been a figure of considerable public interest, notably linked to high-profile legal issues, including arrests related to alleged gold scams and obtaining money by false pretenses. These incidents have placed him firmly in the public eye, often intertwining his business activities with national legal and political nar