ESTHER LUNGU FEELS BETRAYED BY MAKEBI ZULU
Information reaching our news desk suggests that former First Lady Esther Lungu has expressed deep disappointment and feelings of betrayal toward lawyer and politician Makebi Zulu, who has recently returned to Zambia from South Africa.
Sources close to the Lungu family reveal that Mrs. Lungu is upset that Mr. Zulu, a close confidant and spokesperson for the family, has abandoned her in South Africa to pursue his own political ambitions back home.
According to those familiar with the situation, Mrs. Lungu has confided that she feels “used and betrayed” by Mr. Zulu, who she says has shifted focus from supporting the Lungu family during their time of mourning to advancing his political career amid growing calls for him to contest the 2026 presidential election.
“She feels her trust was misplaced,” said a family associate who requested anonymity. “She depended on Makebi during a very difficult time, but now she feels left behind and forgotten.”
Mrs. Lungu is said to be grappling with a heavy heart, reportedly lamenting that the nation has slowly begun to move on while the burial of her late husband, former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu, remains unresolved.
“She says her burden is too heavy to carry now,” a source shared. “Esther regrets not listening to the wise counsel of family members, friends, and church elders who had earlier warned her about placing too much trust in politicians with their own agendas.”
Makebi Zulu, who has in recent weeks made headlines for his political re-emergence following his return from Johannesburg, has not publicly responded to the reported sentiments from the former First Lady.
Political observers note that the alleged fallout between Mrs. Lungu and Mr. Zulu could further strain relations within the Patriotic Front (PF), as the party continues to grapple with internal divisions following the passing of its leader and former Head of State.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Lungu has reportedly withdrawn from public appearances as she continues to mourn privately while managing the emotional weight of what insiders describe as a deep personal and political betrayal.
This development may signal a widening rift between those once united around the Lungu family’s political legacy — and could reshape the dynamics of the PF’s ongoing leadership and succession debates.
By Chilufya Kasonde
Ilelanga News. November 07, 2025
Put it right. KALEMBA and KOSWE feels betrayed by its unsuccessful slender of the ECL’s family.
Although this sounds like a made up story, it is easy to imagine such thoughts as reality dawning. The truth of the matter is that, people have moved on including Makebi Zulu. There is nothing to wait for except another JUDGMENT in favour of the State. So, the Lungu family will languish in South Africa alone.
there is no languishing when money is aplenty
This is one selfish naive woman. Makebi Zulu has no family of his own? What did the Lungu family think? That this man would stop living and live by them? Well life happens…people move on.
Whether Edgar Lungu is alive or not Zambians have to live. Dont think the money you stole will buy back the lives you have destroyed in Zambia, Mrs Lungu. Money isnt everything.
Even this Makebi Zulu, isnt going anywhere with his ambitions. He is just weighting his options beyond Edgar Lungu.
If Findley can move on. What more Makebi; a hanger on….
You’re on your own….,
Is it true this is the feeling of Mrs Esther Lungu or it is a cooked up story?
EMOTIONS, IF NOT WELL HANDLED, ALWAY LEAD PEOPLE TO PRISON.
PRISON OF THE MIND, PRISON OF LUCK OF WISDOM, PRISON OF SHAME AND INDEED PRISON CELLS.
ALL THIS DRAMA WAS EITHER FICTITIOUS AND UNATICIPATED GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION TO WANT TO KNOW IF ECL IS REALLY DEAD OR SIMPLY A VERY INHUMAN THOUGHT.
IF WHAT WAS THOUGHT TO BE AN ARMTWIST TO GOVERNMENT TO DROP CHARGES HAS FAILED, HOW DOES THE FAMILY GET OUT OF THE MESS CREATED BY ONE HEARTLESS YOUNG MAN WHO IS CLEARLY BITTER WITH THE CURRENT PRESIDENT FOR DRIVING A STRONG ANTI CORRUPTION CRUSADE THAT SAW HIM FORFEIT THE 40 MILLION USD SYPHONED FROM THE KCM LIQUIDATION?
WHO WILL ALLOW SUCH A WRECKLESS INDIVIDUAL ACCESS TO THE INSTRUMENTS OF POWER? WHERE IS HIS BROTHER KAIZER? HIS IMPRISONED KILLER OF FORMER IBA DG, HOW RUTHLESS WILL HE BE SHOULD HOS BROTHER FREE HIM FROM PRISON? IMAGINE THEIR OTHER BROTHER, MUNIR, COMING OUT OF PRISON AND JOINING FORCES WITH THE REST OF THEM, WHICH ZAMBEZI TRIBE WILL SURVIVE?
TO AVOID ANOTHER RWANDA, THIS PERSON MUST ANSWER A FEW QUESTIONS FROM THE STATE INSTITUTIONS CHARGED WIFH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SANITIZING SECURITY CONCERNS.
This is a fake story but all the same let her also come back to zambia to finish up all the cases pending against her. If she thinks that Makebi will be president next year and will drop all the charges against her then she is gravely mistaken