More than a decade ago, Iris Kaingu’s name became known across Zambia for all the wrong reasons. A private sex tape filmed while she was a college student escaped into the public domain and changed the direction of her life.
The video brought humiliation, a criminal court case and years of public judgement. Many Zambians believed the scandal would permanently define her.
However, Kaingu has now rewritten that story in spectacular fashion. The woman once discussed because of an intimate video has been elected Member of Parliament for Mwandi Constituency after defeating the ruling UPND’s candidate as an independent.
Kaingu received 6,595 votes, while Sibeso Sefulo secured 6,110. The narrow 485-vote victory represents one of the most dramatic political comebacks of Zambia’s 2026 general elections.
The sex tape scandal that changed everything
Kaingu’s public troubles began when an intimate video involving her and a male acquaintance circulated widely online.
In October 2012, the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court convicted the then-20-year-old of producing obscene material considered likely to corrupt morals.
The court fined her 10 million old Zambian kwacha, which was approximately US$2,000 at the time. The scandal also reportedly contributed to her expulsion from the college where she was studying accountancy.
Although the footage involved two people, public anger and media attention largely centred on Kaingu.
The controversy followed her for years. Every business project, television appearance or public statement brought fresh references to the video.
Instead of disappearing from public life, however, Kaingu remained visible.
Iris embraces her controversial image
In 2017, she sparked another national debate after appearing in photographs wearing animal-inspired body paint.
The images attracted fierce criticism from conservative groups and social commentators. Nevertheless, they also strengthened her image as an outspoken woman who refused to allow public judgement to control her life.
During the same period, Kaingu asked Zambians to stop defining her through the sex tape.
She acknowledged making mistakes but argued that she had apologised, faced the justice system and paid her fine. She also spoke about the effects of cyberbullying on her family.
“I really want people to move on from the sex tape,” she said at the time.
Rather than hiding from her past, Kaingu eventually confronted it through the 2022 Zambezi Magic special Life Through Iris.
The production followed her personal and professional life while allowing her to speak for herself after years of salacious headlines. Viewers saw her navigating family relationships, dating, business and the pressure that came with being one of Zambia’s most recognisable personalities.
From reality television to community politics
Kaingu gradually shifted her public identity towards business, tourism and community development.
Through the Iris Kaingu Foundation, she worked on projects aimed at supporting young people, women and vulnerable communities. She also became involved in tourism promotion and entrepreneurship.
Politics, however, was never far away.
Her father, Michael Kaingu, previously served as Mwandi MP and held senior government positions. Therefore, Iris entered a political space that was already familiar to her family.
She first contested the Mwandi seat under the Patriotic Front in 2021. However, she finished third with 2,831 votes.
Most candidates would have disappeared after such a defeat. Kaingu instead remained active in the constituency and returned five years later with a far stronger campaign.
Rejected by UPND but elected by Mwandi
Kaingu joined the UPND in 2025 and hoped the party would select her to contest Mwandi.
However, the ruling party retained Sefulo as its parliamentary candidate. Kaingu resigned in June 2026 and decided to run as an independent using a candle as her election symbol.
The campaign became personal when President Hakainde Hichilema urged Mwandi residents not to support her.
Kaingu later said Hichilema had privately asked her to withdraw from the race and offered her a future government appointment. She rejected the proposal and publicly declared that she could not be “bought or sold.”
State House and the UPND did not publicly confirm all the details of the offer described by Kaingu.
She continued campaigning without a major party’s financial resources or nationwide structure. When the votes were counted, the candle defeated the UPND’s raised thumb.
Kaingu now offers Hichilema an olive branch
Despite the bitter campaign, Kaingu says she is prepared to work with Hichilema following his presidential re-election.
She described him as the president of every Zambian and said political differences should not prevent leaders from cooperating.
The statement shows how quickly election rivalry must give way to governing. Kaingu will need support from government ministries to deliver roads, healthcare, clean water, education and employment opportunities in Mwandi.
At the same time, residents will expect her to protect the independence that helped her win the seat.
Iris Kaingu’s past will not disappear simply because she has entered Parliament. However, her election proves that a controversial chapter does not have to become a life sentence.
She moved from a leaked private video and criminal conviction to reality television, business, community work and now the National Assembly.
The scandal once made her famous. Mwandi’s voters have now given her an opportunity to become known for something entirely different.
