Gary Nkombo
Gary Nkombo | |
|---|---|
 Gary Nkombo in 2023 | |
| Minister of Local Government and Rural Development | |
| In office 7 September 2021 – 28 March 2025 | |
| Preceded by | Vincent Mwale |
| Succeeded by | Gift Sialubalo |
| Member of the National Assembly for Mazabuka Central | |
| Assumed office 2006 | |
| Preceded by | Kabisa Nang'omba |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Gary Chilala Nkombo 1 March 1965 Mazabuka, Zambia |
| Political party | United Party for National Development |
| Children | 3 |
Gary Chilala Nkombo (born 1 March 1965) is a Zambian politician and businessman. He is Zambia's former Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.[1]
Career
[edit]Nkombo was first elected as an MP in the 2006 Zambian general election representing Mazabuka Central in the National Assembly as a member of the United Party for National Development (UPND). He was again elected MP in the 2011, 2016 and 2021 Zambian general elections.[2]
In August 2016 he was appointed Party Whip for the UPND.[3]
In September 2021,[4] Nkombo was appointed Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.[5][6] On Friday, 28 March 2025, Gary Nkombo was terminated from his appointment as Minister of Local Government and Rural Development by president Hakainde Hichilema for unspecified reasons.[7][8]
Members of the UPND close to the president suggested that he was removed for corruption. However, others in the party recognized his growing influence especially with those who disagree with the current administration’s direction, and suggest that his removal was more political – removal of a potential rival to Hakainde Hichilema, the president.[9]
| Year (s) | Position | Area served | Political Party |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 - 2011 | Member of Parliament | Mazabuka Central | United Party for National Development |
| 2011 - 2016 | |||
| 2016 - 2021 | |||
| 2021 - | |||
| 2021 - 2025 | Minister of Local Government and Rural Development | N/A |
Controversy
[edit]In 2022, Nkombo forced a woman brewing kachasu to drink it with her children. After a video circulated on social media, many people expressed disappointment in the minister. A few days later, he apologised to the family and was forgiven.[10]
Personal life
[edit]Nkombo was a teacher by profession, before becoming a politician and a businessman. He is married and has two sons and a daughter.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ^ Shalubala, Chamuka (10 February 2022). "Nkombo Launches CDF Guidelines". Lusaka, Zambia: News Diggers. Archived from the original on 21 February 2025.
- ^ "Gary Nkombo Parliamentary History". Archived from the original on 27 November 2024.
- ^ "Gary G. Nkombo ~Party Whip". Parliament of Zambia. 11 August 2016.
- ^ "Gary G Nkombo, Minister - Local Government and Rural Development (Sep-2021)". National Assembly of Zambia. Archived from the original on 22 February 2025.
- ^ "Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gary Nkombo directed to issue a comprehensive ministerial statement". News Digger. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022.
- ^ "Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Gary Nkombo visits former prison cell". 25 January 2015.
- ^ Tutu, Arnold (28 March 2025). "Gary Nkombo Dropped as Minister". ZNBC. Archived from the original on 30 March 2025.
- ^ "President Hichilema Axes Nkombo in Mysterious Cabinet Reshuffle". Lusaka Times. 28 March 2025. Archived from the original on 30 March 2025.
- ^ Ngoma, Thandiwe Ketis (29 March 2025). "Gary Nkombo's Firing: A Political Move, Not a Corruption Issue". The Zambian Observer. Archived from the original on 30 March 2025.
- ^ Mvula, Steven (12 April 2015). "Nkombo apologises to 'Kachasu' distiller". Zambia Daily Mail. Archived from the original on 18 May 2022.