Reports had suggested that Mr. Phiri allegedly felt distressed after reading an article on online that stated that he was not useful to anyone including himself because even his family members allegedly rejected him after losing in the by-election.
Mr. Phiri has however dismissed such media reports as lies being spread by unfortunate immoral people as he has happily accepted the people’s decision in Mkaika.
Mr. Phiri has also told Qfm in a telephone in interview that he does regret joining the PF despite not being reelected as Member of Parliament.
He says his loyalty to the PF is still intact and that he will endeavor to consolidate the ruling party in Mkaika.
Meanwhile the Zambia Episcopal Conference (ZEC) has urged losing candidates in any election in the country not to view their defeats as the end of their political careers.
ZEC spokesperson Paul Samasumo has also urged family members to be more supportive to individuals that get distressed after losing an election to avoid situations where an individual reaches a state of dejection to a point of committing suicide.