Church Council Praises Mrs. Nkombo’s Courage During Mazabuka Nomination Tensions

By Alain Kabinda

LUSAKA, May 21, 2026 — The Bishop’s Council of Zambia (BCZ) has commended Mrs. Nkombo for what it described as an act of bravery and loyalty during tense scenes at the Mazabuka Civic Centre where aspiring independent parliamentary candidate Garry Nkombo filed his nomination papers for the 2026 general elections.

In a statement issued to Daily News in Lusaka through BCZ Vice President for Women and Youth, Dr Reverend Agness Kaposa Pushi, stated that the incident was not only political but carried important moral and spiritual lessons for the country.

                                 (Dr Reverend Agness Kaposa Pushi) 

Dr. Pushi said that the council observed that police officers were present during the nomination process but appeared passive as tensions escalated around the civic centre.

And according to the statement, Mrs. Nkombo stepped forward to defend and support her husband at a moment when the situation risked turning disorderly.

“We rise today to salute and encourage Mrs. Nkombo, a woman of valour,” the statement read. “That single act of a wife defending her own was not just an act of love—it was an act of divine intervention.”

Dr. Pushi urged women across Zambia to recognize their strength and role in protecting their families and communities, citing Proverbs 31:25, which speaks about strength and dignity.

The statement also encouraged young people to draw lessons from the incident, particularly on loyalty, courage, and the importance of strong family support systems.

“To the youth of Zambia, you saw a lesson in loyalty,” the council stated, adding that leaders and citizens alike should not rely entirely on institutions for protection and support.

At the same time, the Bishop’s Council of Zambia criticized what it termed the “aloofness” of the Zambia Police Service officers who were present during the proceedings.

The church body called for internal reviews within the police service to ensure officers act proactively during public and political events.

“We do not write to condemn, but to correct with love,” Dr. Pushi Said. “To be present is not enough; officers must be proactive.”

Dr. Pushi further encouraged to have peace, prayer, and unity during the election period while praising Mrs. Nkombo as “a standard bearer” for women of faith.