By Kellys Kaunda
CAN HICHILEMA GUARANTEE THE SAFETY OF HIS CRITICS?
“When you have good ideas, we will listen. When you offer constructive criticism, we will hear you”.
That was Hakainde Hichilema at his inauguration ceremony yesterday, the first of September, 2026.
Can Hichilema guarantee the security and safety of his critics? If what happened to his critics and opponents during this election is anything to go by, the answer is no he can’t!
His supporters are already discussing targeting a selected number of media houses, opposition figures and journalists with a view to suffocating their critical voices in undemocratic ways.
Publicly and widely shared on social media last evening, I am one of those targeted for this campaign. Others named include Ambassadors Anthony Mukwita and Frank Mutubila.
In the post in question, there’s a call on “the system” to monitor our activities closely.
My family members and some friends are already expressing alarm and concern over my safety. Yesterday was particularly instructive as their common theme was that they sense something ugly could happen to me while someone accused me of sounding hurt thereby requiring healing.
The “hurt-and-heal” phrase has been a common response by UPND members and supporters to most critical comments I make. It’s a very weird way of responding to policy debate.
I ve never heard it in any conventional discussions of public affairs anywhere in the world. It actually sounds creepy and superstitious.
How can critical debate be an illness? In fact, they want to make me feel like l am losing my mind, so, they are genuinely and deeply concerned about my welbeing.
I am supposed to believe that they love me so much and care about me so much, it concerns them deeply to see a dear friend hurting this much. And their suggested treatment? I exit Facebook and just be quiet.
There in lies their real concern – to protect their own masters! It’s not about me. I know what real concern is and I know who is really concerned about my wellbeing. I have only come to their attention now because I am making their masters uncomfortable.
In case you don’t know that l know what can happen to me, I do – I could be shot at and killed like Mutotwe Kafwaya or, if I am ‘lucky’, l could end up in jail on trumped-up charges!
Since Hichilema came into office, going after critics through the selective application of the cyber crimes act has been one of the strategies which has seen some arrested, convicted and subsequently jailed.
The recent events surrounding the just-ended elections constitute the loudest, the clearest, the most eloquent and most bizarre demonstrations of the length to which Hichilema is willing to go to eliminate critics, opponents and competition.
So, again, I must ask the question: can Hichilema guarantee the safety and security of his critics? Again, the answer is an emphatic NO he can’t and he will not!
Before I close, let me revisit the quote I opened with, “Where you have good ideas, we will listen. Where you offer constructive criticism, we will hear you”.
As a modifier, the word “constructive” is subjective. It means Hichilema and UPND reserve the right to define the kind of criticism they will accept.
This leads to the next logical question, so how do you treat the criticism you deem “not constructive”? Are these the people you have been arresting and sending to jail?
Because what you call constructive criticism another person might call otherwise, the best approach would be to simply acknowledge criticism.
As a ruling party, UPND and Hichilema do not have the luxury of telling their masters – the citizens – how they may be criticised. That’s the price you pay for seeking public service.
That’s humility. The opposite of humility is arrogance.
The President is not in charge of Prisons hence attacking him is very unfortunate by some sections of society especially those in opposition political parties. Brian Mundubile and Makebi Zulu are not the only ones at mukobeko Prisons,there are other Zambians remanded at the facility,some are Life sentences and others waiting for verdict.
This man has a bone to chew with the president,he was recalled from foreign service he still wanted to enjoy kubulaya.
His writings are never objective,let us wait for the courts to decide and please let go of your pain,you are not the first person to be recalled.Those with other things to do have moved on.
Ba Kaunda, kabiyeni mukulima. There are no more vacancies in the foreign service.
Now that you are sitting properly I will advise you:Kellys,please take Frank Mutubila’s advice.Keep away from social media for a while.Every pain and fear in you shall disappear and healing.
Social media causes migraine and paranoia
Ba Kellys, how do you want the President to guarantee his critics’ safety? The law guarantees their safety. Of course engaging in uncouth behaviour or saying falsehoods is NOT criticism.
As long as you don’t insult or say falsehoods, you are a free man and you don’t need anyone to guarantee your safety.
In any case, it is not the President’s job to guarantee citizen’s safety. The law takes care of that.