Police in Eastern province have cancelled an NDC rally despite issuing the opposition party with a permit saying they did not know at the time of issuance that party leader Chishimba Kambwili would be one of the speakers.

Chipata deputy commanding officer, only identified as Chilekwa, told the NDC leadership that went to prep Mpezeni Park that the rally had been cancelled.

The officer said the police were not informed that Kambwili would be one of the speakers at the rally when they authorised it.

And later, the NDC leadership led by Menyani Zulu and Lombani Musichili went to seek clarity from Eastern Province police commissioner Luckson Sakala who confirmed that the police command had cancelled the rally.

The commissioner said the rally could only go ahead if Kambwili left the province for Lusaka.

Dozens of police officers in riot gear have sealed off Mpezeni Park to ensure that the rally does not go ahead.

More details later.