Mr President, you’ve betrayed people by embracing hypocrisy – Sumaili
By Fanny Kalonda
FORMER religious affairs minister Godfridah Sumaili has written an open letter to President Hakainde Hichilema on the gay rights protest held over the weekend.
In the letter, Reverend Sumaili said the President has betrayed the people by embracing hypocrisy instead of truth.
She said homosexuality is illegal in Zambia and wondered how the “activists of the pervasive, abominable and illegal homosexuality” could be covered and protected by State Police an institution of good governance.
“It is with a heavy heart and great disappointment that I write this letter to you publicly. Sir it is the people of Zambia who gave you a rare opportunity to rule over them. Respect and honour them. They are your boss and you are a servant. The people of Zambia decided that Zambia as a Christian nation should be founded on the values and principles of Christianity which are aligned and in concert with the national values and principles enshrined in the supreme law of the land, the constitution,” she said.
Rev Sumaili said Zambians are demanding answers from government.
“Mr President you are the custodian of the Constitution of Zambia. You swore publicly to respect and protect the laws of the land. You committed to rule with the fear of God and rule of law,” reads the letter in part. “What have you done Mr President? You have betrayed the people of Zambia by embracing hypocrisy instead of truth. Homosexuality is illegal in Zambia. How can the activists of the pervasive, abominable and illegal homosexuality be covered and protected by State Police an institution of good governance?”
Rev Sumaili said Zambia has a rich culture which needs to be respected and protected.
“Sir what has happened in our Christian nation is sinful and shameful. The people of Zambia are demanding answers from your government. Mr President, Zambia has a rich culture which needs to be respected and protected,” she said. “Our children, grandchildren and future generation deserve a peaceful, prosperous and Christian nation.”
On Saturday, protesters convened by Sistah Sistah Foundation Zambia gathered for a march-past to “raise awareness on violence against women and girls’ sexual and gender based violence”.
But police in Lusaka summoned the organisers of the protest to ascertain why the event was turned into a forum for championing homosexuality when the convenors applied for a permit to hold a march-past within Lusaka district to raise awareness against women and girls’ sexual and gender based violence.