POLICE in Eastern Province have launched a manhunt for 25 NRPUP youths in Chama District who are accused of attacking UPND supporters, damaging property and stealing campaign materials.

Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba says two suspects out of the 27 alleged perpetrators have been apprehended and are in police custody to assist police in locating other suspects who are still on the run.

In a statement, Mweemba said the matter was reported at Isoka Police Station on Sunday by Kelvin Mukisi, aged 40, who is the UPND Youth Chairperson for Chibale area of Chama District.

“Be informed that yesterday, 2nd August 2026, at around 14:30 hours, a report was received at Isoka Police Station from Kelvin Mukisi, aged 40 years, Youth Chairperson for UPND of Chibale area of Chama District. The reporter is also a UPND supporter who was camping at his lodge/guest house. Brief facts of the matter are that yesterday, 2nd August 2026, around 09:00 hours, the reporter, together with other UPND youth members were at his lodge/guesthouse organising the meeting hall in preparation for a meeting that was scheduled for 14:00 hours. Thereafter, around 09:00 hours, they left the premises to their respective homes for lunch,” he stated.

He said while they were away, Mukisi received a report that his son, Kelvin Mukisi Jr, had allegedly been harassed by NRPUP supporters, who stripped him of UPND regalia and burnt it.

Mweemba said the situation later escalated when NRPUP youths allegedly ambushed UPND supporters who had gathered at the lodge and started pelting them with stones.

“While away, the reporter received a call from a UPND member informing him that NRPUP supporters had harassed his son, Kelvin Mukisi Jnr, by stripping him of UPND regalia and burning it. Shortly, the reporter received another call reporting that John Zimba had also been stripped of UPND regalia and that one bicycle belonging to him had been confiscated by the same group and was yet to be returned. Later, as the reporter was organising the meeting with other UPND members and waiting for other UPND youth members coming from Nkula Village, the group was ambushed by NRPUP youth members who started pelting them with stones,” he stated.

Mweemba said two bales of UPND regalia, comprising T-shirts and wrappers, as well as a bag containing K30,000 in cash, were also allegedly stolen from Mukisi’s office during the confusion.

He said investigations have since been instituted.

“The UPND youths ran to the reporter’s lodge for safety but were still pursued by the NRPUP youths who proceeded to maliciously damage the lodge and five flats valued at K150,000. The attackers also damaged solar panels valued at K50,000. During the confusion, two bales of UPND regalia comprising T-shirts, wrappers and a bag containing cash amounting to K30,000, which were kept in the reporter’s office, were stolen,” stated Mweemba.

“The matter was received, recorded and investigations have since been instituted. The incident borders on political violence, malicious damage to property and theft. Two perpetrators of violence out of 27 were picked and are in police custody to assist in apprehending others who are in hiding”.