Stephen Kampyongo kicked out as speaker recognizes Ezra Tembo as the real leader of the opposition in parliament.

The political landscape within Zambia's National Assembly shifted dramatically following a definitive ruling by Speaker Nelly Mutti, who officially recognized Ezra Tembo as the authentic Leader of the Opposition. The decision effectively neutralizes a rival faction led by Shiwang'andu lawmaker Stephen Kampyongo, leaving his camp out in the cold after weeks of intense lobbying and power struggles for control of the opposition benches. The high-stakes parliamentary drama reached its climax when Speaker Mutti delivered the communication to the House, putting to rest competing claims over who commands the numerical and structural backing required to steer the opposition. The dispute had previously created visible friction within legislative corridors, as various factions vied for formal recognition to direct parliamentary business and committee oversight. Ezra Tembo, representing the National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP), secured the endorsement following internal party confirmations and procedural submissions. The Speaker's recognition grants Tembo the official mandate to superintend opposition business, coordinate parliamentary responses to executive policies, and lead legislative debates. Political analysts view the Speaker's decision as a crucial milestone in stabilizing parliamentary proceedings following the post-election realignments. With the leadership question now settled by the chair, attention shifts to how the opposition will reorganize under Tembo's stewardship to effectively hold the governing administration accountable. Meanwhile, the sidelined Kampyongo faction faces mounting pressure to regroup as the House settles into its legislative calendar.