Kabwata UPND MP Andrew Tayengwa has gone from “Honourable” to Highly Emotional after a mystery caller on Hot FM accused him of corruption, nepotism, and soliciting a K50,000 kickback like it was pocket change.
It all started innocently enough on Thursday morning during Hot FM’s red Hot Breakfast Show, where citizens were invited to rate their MPs. And oh, did one caller from Kabwata Constituency rate Tayengwa… right into legal territory.
With the confidence of someone who clearly skipped their filter that morning, the caller boldly accused Tayengwa of handing CDF contracts to his “inner circle” and then demanding a K50,000 “thank you” in return. The studio went silent, jaws dropped, and you could practically hear Tayengwa’s blood pressure rise through the airwaves.
The Honourable Tayengwa, stage left, foaming with fury and legal threats. Given the chance to respond on air, the MP didn’t waste time on dignified denial or smooth political spin no, no. He threw down the legal gauntlet like a man who just found out his favourite contractor won’t return his calls.
“This is a breach of IBA rules! I will sue Hot FM!” he thundered, possibly while shaking a fist and wiping an invisible tear of betrayal.
Instead of using the moment to explain or challenge the allegations, Tayengwa launched an emotional tirade that could only be described as courtroom meets soap opera. Listeners say they could hear the heartbreak in his voice.
Before the lawsuit ink could dry on Tayengwa’s imagination, Information and Media Permanent Secretary Thabo Kawana stepped in with a bucket of cold legal reality. He basically told Tayengwa: “Calm down, bro. Hot FM isn’t your enemy.”
“The station cannot be held liable for what members of the public say during live call-ins,” said Kawana. “Unless they start hiring prophets to screen calls in advance.”
Kawana’s statement was like a referee pulling an overreacting footballer off the pitch.
While Tayengwa clutches his bruised honour and drafts imaginary lawsuits, Hot FM is reportedly preparing a new jingle: “We bring you the truth even if it makes Honourables cry.”