The political landscape surrounding the United Party for National Development (UPND) Lusaka Mayoral candidate has intensified, marked by claims of internal strife and external sabotage. At the center of this controversy is former Lusaka Deputy Mayor Ketty Nanyangwe, who, despite reportedly being cleared by the UPND Elections Chairperson to file her nomination papers, claims she is still being blocked from doing so. A letter dated May 22, 2026, from the Elections Chairperson to the Chief Electoral Officer, reportedly confirms her official clearance, yet Nanyangwe asserts, "The party has cleared me, but I'm still being blocked from filing in my nomination. I have both the adoption certificate and clearance letter from the party."

Amidst Nanyangwe's struggle, questions have arisen about the motives of prominent political figures, particularly Beauty Katebe and Chilando Chitangala. Beauty Katebe, identified as a Patriotic Front (PF) woman, has a history of opposing President Hakainde Hichilema (HH) and undermining the UPND leadership. Her sudden support for Ketty Nanyangwe, a UPND aspirant, has been branded as a calculated move rather than genuine endorsement. Critics argue that Katebe's support stems from a belief that Ketty is a weak candidate who will lose, thereby fracturing support for the ruling party and potentially handing a victory to the opposition in Lusaka. This strategy is described as "sabotage disguised as activism," intended to weaken HH and the UPND from outside while feigning advice.

Furthermore, Katebe's perceived hypocrisy is highlighted by her silence on Brian Mundubile's choice of a male running mate, despite her supposed concern for women's representation. This suggests her actions are not about empowering women but are a strategic play to undermine the current administration.

Similarly, Chilando Chitangala, another political figure, has entered the fray, feigning friendship with Ketty Nanyangwe. Her support is characterized as "poison" and "strategic deceit." Chitangala's alleged motivation is to prevent a competent reformer at the Lusaka City Council from exposing the failures, corruption allegations, and incompetence associated with the current setup. She fears that a functional leader like Simon Mwewa would create an immediate and brutal contrast, threatening existing networks of mediocrity and backroom deals. Therefore, she would rather support a candidate she believes is easier to defeat while publicly championing them.

This intricate political maneuvering is described as a game of "dirty chess," where Beauty Katebe and Chilando Chitangala are seen as cheering for the UPND's potential self-destruction. Their support for Ketty is interpreted as a strategic move, believing the party is misinterpreting enemy applause for genuine support. If Ketty becomes the candidate, the opposition's campaign is anticipated to be straightforward, linking her to the current Lusaka Council's perceived dirt, disorder, chaos, and failed culture. This message, it is believed, could bury Ketty's candidacy.

The underlying truth, according to observers, is that Beauty Katebe and Chilando Chitangala are not aiming to help the UPND. Instead, their objective is to weaken President Hichilema, damage the party's standing in Lusaka, and protect their own political interests. Ketty Nanyangwe, in this scenario, is depicted as an unwitting and disposable tool in their mission. The UPND is cautioned to recognize that not all who applaud desire their success, and to distinguish enemy excitement from true friendship, for a "snake still remains a snake even when it smiles."