The political landscape was shaken after a controversial audio recording went viral, allegedly implicating Patriotic Front (PF) faction acting president Robert Chabinga in a government conspiracy related to the burial saga of former President Edgar Lungu. However, Chabinga has firmly denied any involvement, claiming that the audio is a sophisticated product of Artificial Intelligence (AI) designed to mislead the public.
In a statement, Chabinga rejected the authenticity of the voice in the recording, insisting it was not his. He warned that the creation and dissemination of such AI-generated material constitutes a criminal offense, highlighting the growing concerns over deepfake technology being used to manipulate political discourse in Zambia.
Despite Chabinga’s denial, many netizens remain unconvinced. Online debates have intensified, with some social media users asserting that the audio is genuine and demanding accountability from the United Party for National Development (UPND) government. They call on authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and clarify the troubling claims purportedly made in the recording.
The leaked audio features a voice believed to be Chabinga engaged in a conversation with another individual thought to be Community Development Minister Doreen Mwamba. In the clip, the voice resembling Chabinga reportedly discusses how he was sent on a particular mission tied to the ongoing Lungu burial saga, suggesting possible government involvement in sensitive activities around the former president’s funeral arrangements.
The incident raises important questions about the impact of emerging AI technologies on political communication, the authenticity of digital evidence, and the challenges governments face in addressing misinformation. It also underscores the volatile nature of Zambian politics, where rumors and controversial leaks can rapidly influence public opinion.
As pressure mounts on the UPND government to respond, analysts say a transparent and timely investigation is critical to restore public trust and ensure that misinformation—whether AI-generated or otherwise—does not destabilize the political environment.