KATELE KALUMBA APOLOGISES TO PRESIDENT FOR CALLING HIM “EVIL”
Staff Reporter
Former Cabinet Minister Dr Katele Kalumba has apologised to the Republican President for using the word “evil” and other strong language during a difficult and emotionally charged period.
In a personal statement of reflection and apology, Dr Kalumba said he regretted the words he directed at the President, acknowledging that they were “too strong and too personal.”
Dr Kalumba said he was angry and deeply hurt by what he perceived as an attack on his family, but acknowledged that his anger should not have determined the language he used.
“As a Christian, I believe our words matter. We are called to speak truth, but also with humility, dignity and love. I therefore take responsibility for my words,” he said.
However, Dr Kalumba clarified that his apology does not mean he regrets defending his family or that he is abandoning his political convictions and his right as a citizen to question and criticise those who exercise public power.
“I simply recognise that disagreement does not require disrespect,” he said.
Dr Kalumba further apologised to the President and anyone who may have been hurt or offended by his words, while asking God for humility, courage and wisdom.
The statement was sent on behalf of Dr Kalumba by his wife, who said his phone has been in the possession of Kabwe Police since September 24.
She said the message was dictated to her by Dr Kalumba and sent to the Director General of the Zambia Intelligence Service, Friday Nyambe, on September 24 at 22:03 hours, with a request for it to be forwarded to the President.
Dr Kalumba concluded by calling for respect despite political disagreements, saying: “May we all learn to disagree without losing our respect for one another.”
He writes:
A PERSONAL STATEMENT OF REFLECTION AND APOLOGY
I have taken time to reflect on the words I used during a very difficult and emotionally charged period, particularly the words I directed at the Republican President.
I want to sincerely apologise for the language I used, especially my use of the word “evil.” Those words were too strong and too personal, and I regret using them.
I was angry and deeply hurt by what I perceived as an attack on my family. But while I believe I had every right to defend my family and to speak strongly about matters of public concern, I accept that anger should not have determined the language I used.
As a Christian, I believe our words matter. We are called to speak truth, but also with humility, dignity and love. I therefore take responsibility for my words.
My apology does not mean that I apologise for defending my family, nor does it mean that I abandon my political convictions or my right as a citizen to question and criticise those who exercise public power.
I simply recognise that disagreement does not require disrespect.
I sincerely apologise to the President and to anyone who was hurt or offended by my words.
I ask God for the humility to acknowledge where I was wrong, the courage to continue standing for what I believe is right, and the wisdom to know the difference.
I ask for forgiveness, and I extend forgiveness.
May we all learn to disagree without losing our respect for one another.
Fake apology written by the wife.
And therefore rejected.
A ng’wena is a ng’wena.
Very ungrateful chap who was pardoned, but used his freedom to call the one who pardoned him “evil”.
Just lockup the fool.
Zambia has better things to focus on.
Purely an exercise in self preservation. Dr. Kalumba was protecting his family? Presumably from HH’s attacks? How exactly did HH attack his family?
If HH had lost the elections, there would be no apology. If anything, there would have been more mockery than what the video revealed. Someone who can defy locked doors and enter your bedroom unnoticed must not be handled with kid gloves.
What he said in the video says a lot about Dr. Kalumba.
What attack did HH direct at Katele Kalumba and his family?
A apology with a big smile, where is the remorse and regret there? A person who does not appreciate what other people do for him is a very useless person.
You do not fit evil by turning another chic! Evil should be fought hard to ensure that it doesn’t spread out and recruit new devils. The wife is equally guilty for abetting the act by letting involved in writing an apology. We did these people wait so long, only to apologise once apprehended and detained in jail. Some Zambians take Christianity as an escape route. Something to use when they can’t explain their criminal activities. There’s no point of even reading his message. Why did she find it necessary to publish the apology before it reached the person it was meant for. Leave the president out of your criminal activities! YOU UNTHANKFUL PEOPLE!
What a foolish old man!
An old folk with no brains and wisdom, extremely foolish man