FORMER Solwezi West UPND member of parliament Teddy Kasonso says he has retired from politics and now wants to be a private citizen.

In an interview, Kasonso said he was now too old to be in politics.

“I am not participating in politics. That is why I did not participate [in the elections]. Am I not too old to be a politician? You cannot do politics until you die. There are so many things one can do. You mean one cannot stay without being a politician? We are almost 19 million Zambians, only 0.1 percent are politicians, the rest are just Zambians. Sometimes you watch. I am not a politician. I am a private citizen,” said Kasonso.

Kasonso joined PF in April last year saying his decision to leave UPND painful, but necessary.

“People have said PF or the government of PF is not inclusive, I disagree. Continue to build national unity. It is something that all leaders across the board and I am appealing to the party where I am coming from today UPND, that issues of national unity are crucial in this country. We are One Zambia One nation. My decision to cross over to PF has not been easy because I can tell you, I gave it my all in UPND. I gave it my best shot to ensure that UPND exists, I was a factor. The decision to cross over to PF is painful but it is necessary. Patriotism is costly but it is necessary. Yes, I have several issues with PF, that is normal. We must have a serious conversation when it comes to national issues,” said Kasonso.

“Certain issues I brought to the President are being done or they will be done. Not everything can be done once it’s not possible. Don’t let anyone cheat you that if UPND came to power, well God forbid, they would resolve our problems. It is not possible. When they say ‘bally will fix it’ fix what? Government is very complicated. No one individual can fix our challenges as a nation. It is a collective responsibility. We must put our heads together and find solutions. It is not about bally, I am afraid, it is not possible. Government is a serious matter. To some extent, the PF government has performed very well. Unfortunately, all Zambians want government to deliver development to them on the same day, but that is not possible. It has to be in a sequence, our people must be patient. UPND does not have the numbers. Let us work hard to ensure that President Lungu retains power. I want to declare that I, Teddy Kasonso from this minute, cease to be a member of UPND. I have from this moment joined PF.”