LUSAKA – Lima Member of Parliament Kelvin Kaunda was reportedly moved from Lusaka Central Police on Thursday evening, following his arrest and charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, according to information circulating after his lawyer confirmed his detention earlier in the day.
Kaunda’s lawyer, Emmanuel Kaluba, confirmed that the MP had been arrested and charged over an alleged assault involving a man during a campaign roadshow in Lima Constituency on August 7, 2026.
“As at 18:30hrs, he is detained at Lusaka Central Police,” Kaluba said in his statement.
However, subsequent reports indicated that Kaunda was moved later that evening. Zambian Eye had not independently established his reported destination or the authority under which the transfer was made by the time of publication.
The reported movement raises questions about where the MP is currently being held and whether he has since appeared before a court or been granted bail.
What is the charge against Kaunda?
According to Kaluba, the charge relates to an alleged incident on August 7, when Kaunda was conducting a campaign roadshow along Zingalume Road in Lima Constituency.
The lawyer said Kaunda was accused of assaulting a man during the campaign activity.
The allegation has not been proven in court. Details concerning the alleged victim, the nature of any injuries and the evidence supporting the charge have not been independently established.
Separate reports involving Jay Jay Banda
Kaunda’s arrest has also attracted attention amid separate reports concerning former Petauke Central MP Emmanuel Jay Jay Banda.
Tonse Pamodzi Alliance senior official Emmanuel Mwamba had alleged that Kaunda was linked to the reported operation in which Banda was taken from a location near the Mozambique-Zimbabwe border. Those claims remain unverified.
The charge confirmed by Kaunda’s lawyer is assault occasioning actual bodily harm over the alleged August campaign incident. The lawyer’s statement does not establish that Kaunda was arrested over the Banda matter, and the two issues should not be conflated without further evidence.
What remains unclear?
The immediate unanswered questions concern Kaunda’s reported transfer: where he was taken, whether he remains in custody and whether he has appeared before a court.
A police statement or court record would help establish his current legal status and the next steps in the case.
Zambian Eye will update this report as the reported transfer and Kaunda’s current whereabouts are independently confirmed.