Wina says Kafwaya died defending democracy, justice and fairness
Former vice-president Inonge Wina has paid tribute to former Lunte MP Mutotwe Kafwaya, saying he died defending democracy, good governance, justice and fairness, and urging Zambians not to forget the sacrifice he made for the country.
Lusaka, 29 August – Speaking at Kafwaya’s funeral service at the Tabernacle of David Assembly-City Mission Church on Friday, Wina described the late lawmaker as a diligent public servant, an accomplished debater and a firm believer in the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Zambian Constitution.
Wina, who said she worked closely with Kafwaya during his time in Parliament and government, recalled how he entered the National Assembly as a young representative of the people of Lunte before rising to become a Cabinet minister during his second term.
She said Kafwaya quickly distinguished himself through his intellectual ability, leadership qualities and courage in articulating issues.
“Honourable Mutotwe Kafwaya came to Parliament as a youthful representative of the people of Lunte. He quickly demonstrated his intellectual and leadership qualities and was elevated to a higher position, that of a Cabinet minister in his second term,” Wina said.
She described Kafwaya as a confident and fearless parliamentarian who was prepared to speak frankly on issues, while also possessing the humility to acknowledge when he had crossed a line
“As a parliamentarian who worked with me very closely, I found him to be a fine debater who articulated issues with clarity, confidence and courage. He could call a spade a spade, but wherever he went beyond the boundary in his submission, he would say, ‘I am sorry’ — a sign of humility and sensitivity,” she said.
Wina said Kafwaya’s commitment to constitutional freedoms reflected the principles held by Zambia’s founding generation.
She said his death should be remembered in the context of the values for which he stood.
“He died in defence of our democracy and this, Zambians should not forget. He died in defence of good governance, justice and fairness, and fairness for all Zambians,” Wina said.
Wina, who was among Zambia’s independence-era activists, said Kafwaya’s convictions resonated with the ideals of the country’s founding fathers.
She also offered condolences to Kafwaya’s widow, Dinis, telling her to remain strong for their children and describing the late politician as a son she would deeply miss.
Wina recalled that despite her former position as vice-president, Kafwaya never addressed her by her official title, instead affectionately referring to her as “my mother”.
“Honourable Kafwaya, at Parliament or in my office, or anywhere else we met, he never referred to me as your honour the vice-president. He always said my mother, and indeed I have lost a son,” she said.
Meanwhile, Kafwaya’s widow, Dinis, described her late husband as a man of noble character who feared God and diligently discharged his responsibilities.
In a speech read on her behalf by her sister, she said his death had left her devastated and struggling to come to terms with the loss.
“This is just too hard for me because it has come when I least expected. In short, I have been ambushed. I’m deeply wounded, torn apart, hurt and broken,” she said.
Dinis said she had never experienced such pain and questioned how she would find the strength to care for their children following the loss of her husband.
She, however, said Kafwaya had left behind a lasting example through his character, devotion to his responsibilities and love for his children
“You feared your Lord in heaven, carried out your duties diligently, a man of noble character. Mutotwe Kafwaya, you were a blessing to your children,” she said.
Kafwaya’s first-born son, Mubanga, also paid tribute to his father, describing him as his guide, protector, role model and teacher.
He said although his father was not perfect, the values he imparted to his family would remain with them.
Mubanga said Kafwaya taught his children that strength was demonstrated through kindness, integrity was more valuable than wealth and family should always remain a priority.
He pledged that the family would ensure that his father’s legacy continued beyond his death.
“As his son, I want to make this promise before all of you today: my father’s legacy will not end here, it will continue,” Mubanga said.
Kafwaya’s funeral service was held at the church where he served as an elder.
The service was attended by several former Patriotic Front Cabinet ministers and members of Parliament, including former Lands minister Jean Kapata, former Minister of Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili and former PF secretary general Davies Mwila.
Former PF national chairperson Davies Chama, who was recently released on bail after being convicted and sentenced to eight years with hard labour in connection with a shooting incident in Western Province, was also present.
NRPUP Lundazi MP Brenda Nyirenda and other Tonse Alliance members, including Kasonde Mwenda, also attended
service.
Government had offered to accord Kafwaya an official funeral, but the family declined the offer.
Kafwaya died on August 14 during a confrontation involving law enforcement agencies and occupants of the residence of NRPUP presidential candidate Brian Mundubile in Kabulonga.
According to police, security agencies had been investigating alleged criminal activities involving militia groups for several months over concerns that they posed a threat to national security.
Police said occupants of the residence opened fire when law enforcement officers conducted the raid, leading to an exchange of gunfire in which Kafwaya was killed.
Government subsequently announced the arrest of 11 Tonse Alliance members in connection with the alleged possession of high-grade military weapons.
Among those named were NRPUP presidential spokesperson George Chisanga, Patrick Mwansa, the husband of former president Edgar Lungu’s daughter Tasila Lungu, Bishop Trevor Mwamba, Simon Phiri, Richard Banda and Francis Mulenga.
Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, were absent from the funeral as they remain in police custody facing treason-related charges.
The two had earlier spent more than a week in self-imposed exile at a United Nations agency in Lusaka before being handed over to law enforcement authorities.
-Nkanionline 2026 #NewsOnDemand