DON’T LET POLITICIANS HIJACK FUNERAL, CHABINGA URGES LUNGU FAMILY

LEADER of the opposition Robert Chabinga, has appealed to the family of the late sixth President, Edgar Lungu, to resist attempts by politicians to exploit the funeral arrangements for personal political gain.

In a press statement released today, Chabinga said it was unfair for people to take advantage of a bereaved family by engaging them in unnecessary conflicts, especially with the government.

His plea comes in the wake of the government’s announcement of a State Funeral and seven days of national mourning for the departed former head of state.

Chabinga specifically urged members of the Patriotic Front (PF) to exercise restraint and refrain from issuing inflammatory, divisive, or disparaging statements, especially those directed at the State.

He expressed deep regret over some members using the former President’s death as a bargaining tool to achieve their political motives, demanding an immediate cessation of such behaviour.

“This conduct is un-Zambian, un-African, and contrary to the spirit of respect and dignity we must uphold at this time,” he stated.

Drawing parallels to past events, the leader of the opposition highlighted how similar mistakes had previously contributed to missed opportunities for dialogue with the current Head of State, President Hakainde Hichilema.

He further called upon all PF members and the Zambian people to respect and support the arrangements made by the State to honour the late President.

Chabinga further urged unity during this period of mourning.

“Our beloved former President ran his race, fought a good fight, and now that he has departed, it is time for us to come together in unity and mourn with one accord,” stated Chabinga.

“Now that Belvedere Lodge has been officially designated as the venue for national mourning, all other arrangements outside this directive should be regarded as acts of non-compliance.”

He warned that any deviation would be viewed as willful disregard for the guidance issued by the State.

“Let us rise above politics and personal interests. This is a moment for reflection, respect, and national unity,” said Chabinga.

The late sixth President is likely to be buried next Saturday with the body expected to be repatriated from the country he died in, South Africa, into Zambia on Wednesday.

Kalemba June 7, 2026

FORMER MINISTER OF HEALTH DR. CHITALU CHILUFYA WROTE…

Farewell Your Excellency; from a Grateful Nation!

My wife, Mutinta, and I join a sorrowful nation in mourning the passing of former President Edgar Chagwa Lungu in the morning of 5th June 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Words cannot fully convey the anguish of heart for such a colossal loss to the nation and to his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mama Esther Lungu and the family.

Fifth June will never be the same again for our nation; a day that the Righteous Judge has called this humble servant President home bidding him “well done faithful servant.”

President Lungu’s presidency was forged in the trials, tribulations and joys known by an average Zambian. From a place of obscurity and  limited opportunity, he rose to the highest office of the land. The monuments of infrastructure donning our country side stand as true testimony to his indelible legacy. Judicious with little, this humble and faithful servant from Chawama can now rest in the bossom of Father Abraham. For his good deeds followeth him.

There are lessons to learn in this moment of sorrow and grief. In President Lungu, the son of a miner in Wusakili and Chiwempala can find inspiration, a young girl from Chawama and Chimwemwe can dream. At the very least, humility has ceased to be a weakness but a virtue with which one could soar high into the halls and corridors of power.

We cannot forget that putting country above self, he handed over power when the peoples voice loudly spoke.

This humble alumnus of Mukuba Secondary and University of Zambia heed the recall, and touted it a privilege to have served.

Now He has slipped away from this life into the sunset and twilight beyond our gaze. Now the books of judgement are opened unto him where all his works are recorded. O thou Righteous Judge, may his selfless leadership and  his developmental legacy speaketh well for him.

For all of us that remain, this is time neither for political brinkmanship nor partisan pettiness. It is a solemn  moment that demands unity in grief, civility in conduct, and above all, a decent State funeral that reflects the honour and dignity of the office he once held. Anything less would be a betrayal of our collective values as a nation.

Throughout his presidency, Lungu demonstrated a quiet but resolute commitment to duty. Those who worked under him, like me who was privilegded to be his minister of health, speak of a leader who led with confidence, loyalty, and strategic foresight. From the establishment of the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA), the Levy Mwanawasa Medical University and the Zambia National Public Health Institute to the construction of specialist hospitals and the mass recruitment of health workers, Lungu’s leadership left a permanent mark on Zambia’s healthcare landscape.

In times of national crisis – such as the  pandemic and the cholera outbreak – he led from the front, sometimes placing early morning calls to get real-time updates. These were not the actions of a ceremonial figurehead but of a hands-on, responsive commander-in-chief leading his troops against a formidable biological and medical foe.

A state funeral for our fallen leader is not a favour to his family or party – it is a constitutional and moral obligation to the institution of the presidency. The infectious wave of grief sweeping across the nation is not a coincidence; it is a genuine outpouring from people who saw in Lungu a leader who, despite his faults, served them with humility and a sense of purpose.

Zambia’s humanity is on trial. Our people are watching with bated breath to see whether we will emerge a better people from this tragic loss. Will the spectre of acrimony and intolerance continue in our ranks? Or the banner of brotherhood and reconciliation find a place in our nations collective conscience?

President Lungu has been called back to his Father’s home. We, too, as a people are called to make this country a home for all, a place where our differences make us better not bitter.

Zambians are a proud and free people. Never bowed down by the strings of sorrow and adversity. Even in these days of pain, wrath and ashes, they desire their President a dignified send off. A decent State funeral not just about flags, pomp and ceremonies, but as a statement of national character, of who we are; from many tribes but one people united by bonds of patriotism.

It says we honour our past, we value service, and we understand the solemnity of leadership. Let there be peace among political rivals. Let there be civility in how we grieve. Let there be unity in honouring a man who, through calm leadership and enduring humility, earned his place in Zambia’s history.

To President Lungu: your chapter is now in the hands of history, the people you diligently served shall not allow it to be rewritten by opportunism or defaced by the graffiti of indifference. You led. You served. You sacrificed. And now, you deserve to be laid to rest with the full honour of a grateful nation. May your legacy inspire a more respectful politics, and may your final journey be marked by the unity you always sought to uphold.

You may now find rest in the bossom of your maker where torment touches you no more.
Rest in Eternal Peace, Your Excellency, and may perpetual light shine upon your face.

In the Silence of Death, a Chorus of Confusion

By : Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo

When a leader passes, a nation turns to order, to structure, to protocol, to grief made bearable by clarity.

But as Zambia mourns the passing of its sixth Republican President, the late Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, what has instead emerged is a strange theatre of voices. Some loud, some emotional, some contradictory.

In a moment that demands unity and dignity, we are left asking ; who truly speaks for the Lungu family?

The confusion began soon after the somber announcement of the former President’s death. As the nation tried to come to terms with the loss, a flurry of public statements began to fill the airwaves and social media.

Tasila Lungu, the daughter of the late President, was among the first to speak. Her grief was understandable, her tone firm,as she sat besides her husband, yet questions arose as she seemed to challenge aspects of the government’s plans, something that was wrong on her side , especially understanding her standing in society.She is a national leader who understands government protocols very well and everyone expected her to behave in a sober way.

Then came Sean Tembo, known more for his political commentary than any familial tie to the deceased. He made passionate declarations, hinting at secrecy and exclusion.

Given Lubinda, once a close ally of the late President Edgar Chagwa Lungu , also issued statements, painting a picture that often clashed with official reports.

Raphael Nakachinda, ever the controversial figure, added his own version of events with discrediting the current government with regards to the former late President’s health leading to death, at an international level one was not expected to speak like him.

Snr Counsel and constitutional lawyer Makebi Zulu, acting in a quasi-legal role, gave interviews that only further deepened the public’s confusion, claiming to sideline government’s involvement with regards to the Former Late president Edgar Chagwa Lungu’ s funeral arrangements and repatriating his remains from South Africa to Zambia.

Each statement, instead of offering clarity, only made things murkier.

Were they official family positions? Were they personal opinions? Were they sanctioned? No one could tell.

Zambia, in its mourning, began to whisper: “How many spokespersons does one family need?”

It is no secret that in death, as in life, politics often looms. But what should have been a unified voice from the family has turned into a chorus of contradiction. And amid this disarray, it’s the people of Zambia who are left bewildered.

The government, for its part, has acted with formality and respect. A national mourning period has been declared.

Entertainment and political activities are suspended, and media houses have adopted solemn programming in tribute. A state funeral committee has been constituted and tasked with overseeing everything from the repatriation of the body to the lying-in-state, and eventual burial at Embassy Park, with full military honors, as is befitting of a former Head of State, very important.

Yet, as these formalities proceed, a shadow remains over the process, cast not by the government, but by the family’s seeming disorganization. And so we wonder,  is this chaos a reflection of deeper internal divisions, or just the noise of politics rushing in to fill the silence of loss?

This is not the legacy Edgar Lungu deserved.

This moment, more than ever, demands dignity, coordination, and respect, not only for the late President but for the grieving nation. Zambians are not looking for drama. They are looking for closure, for inspiration, and for a reason to reflect on the values of service and leadership.

As the country awaits the final farewell, the call is simple but urgent, let there be one voice. Let there be unity. Let there be peace.

May President Edgar Chagwa Lungu rest well.

What Happens When a President Dies in Zambia? A Story of State, Tradition, and Farewell

By : Tobbius Chilembo Hamunkoyo

Becoming President in Zambia comes with great honour, but also great sacrifice,this is very important to take note . One of the things many people do not realize is that when a President dies, their funeral and burial are no longer just family matters. The State takes over and no two ways about it and it is non negotiable.

Let us look at what has happened when past Presidents of Zambia passed away.

Levy Mwanawasa , When a Will Overruled

President Levy Mwanawasa, SC, left behind a clear Last Will, both in writing and in a video recording. He wanted to be buried at his farm in Palabana. But after his death, the government decided otherwise. Because he was a Head of State, they chose a new Presidential burial site opposite Cabinet Office in Lusaka. That is where he now rests.

Even though he was a Baptist and belonged to the Twinpalm congregation, his funeral service was held at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross. This Cathedral is commonly used for State funerals in Zambia, regardless of a President’s personal church, very important to note this.

Frederick Chiluba,  Church and State

President Frederick Chiluba also was a well-known Pentecostal and known to have declared Zambia as a Christian nation. But like the others, his funeral was held at the Anglican Cathedral. His own Pentecostal bishop led the service as it was observed, but we know that the venue remained the same because that’s the tradition for State funerals and Tasila Lungu’ knows this .

Kenneth Kaunda, we recall a Family’s Fight

When Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s founding and first President, died, his family wanted him to be buried next to his wife, Mama Betty Kaunda, at their New Kasama home. Other family members said that he wished to be laid to rest in Chinsali near his parents, we dnt know if this was true. But once again, the State stepped in and buried him at the official Presidential burial site in Lusaka.

We recall that his family even tried to stop this through court processes, but the attempt failed. Though Dr. Kaunda worshipped at St. Paul UCZ, his funeral was still held at the Anglican Cathedral, in line with State tradition,Snr Counsel Makebi Zulu and his team know about this notorious fact.

Michael Sata, The People’s President as he was known for

President Michael Sata died while in office. A strong Catholic, his funeral was a bit different. The main service was held at Heroes national Stadium instead of a church, to allow thousands of Zambians who wanted to  attend to properly fit the assembly.

He was loved by many, and the government said this arrangement was to give “the people’s President” a farewell from the people themselves , very important.

Rupiah Banda,  A Peaceful Surrender and humble Family

President Rupiah Banda had a different According to people close to him like Snr Counsel Dickson Jere and other family members,RB wished to be buried at his Chasimpha Farm in Chipata, where his family is buried. But he also knew that, as President, the State could override this wish, just as he had done for Mwanawasa when he was in charge of running the affairs of the nation.

When RB passed away,  his family knew that he was a State property. The family agreed to follow the directions of the government with regards to the funeral arrangements.

According to Counsel Dickson Jere President Banda was Anglican, so having his service at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross did not cause any issues, unlike what we are witnessing from Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu’s spokes persons.

With the exception of President Michael Chilufya Sata, memorial services for all late Presidents, Kaunda, Chiluba, Mwanawasa, and Banda, have been held at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross. Even on national days like Independence Day or National Prayer Day, this is where the State usually holds major events, the country is aware including the tonse alliance .

Also, the government has a clear policy, once a President dies, the State will organize only two official memorials, the first anniversary and the tenth. Any other memorials are left to the family, full stop.

Truth be told and Which is a notorious fact , when someone becomes President in Zambia, they give up more than their privacy, they also lose full control over how they are remembered in death. The State steps in, takes over the farewell, and makes sure it reflects not just the individual, but the nation.

In short, once you accept the presidency, your life, and even your final resting place, becomes part of Zambia’s national story.

“I Mourn a Trusted Friend”, Uhuru Pens Emotional Tribute for Edgar Lungu

Kenya’s former President Uhuru Kenyatta on June 6, 2025, mourned the death of Zambia’s former head of state, Edgar Chagwa Lungu who died on June 5 in South Africa where he was receiving treatment.

Edgar Chagwa Lungu was born on November 11, 1956 and was a Zambian politician who served as the country’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021.Initially holding key ministerial roles under President Michael Sata, Lungu rose to power following Sata’s death and won the 2015 presidential by-election.

He secured a full term in 2016 after narrowly defeating Hakainde Hichilema, who later defeated him in the 2021 general election.

Lungu passed away on June 5, 2025, in South Africa due to complications from surgery

In his tribute, Uhuru remembered the late Lungu as a humble and visionary leader who dedicated his life to the unity and prosperity of his country.

Uhuru acknowledges the late Lungu’s work;
“President Lungu was not only a distinguished statesman who served his country with dedication and honor but also a man of humility, wisdom, and unwavering faith,” Kenyatta eulogized Lungu.

“It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that I have learned of the passing of my dear friend and brother, H.E. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, former President of the Republic of Zambia,” said Kenyatta.

Kenyatta hailed Lungu as a distinguished statesman who served with integrity and calm resolve during his tenure as Zambia’s president.

The former Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta said Lungu’s leadership stood out for its commitment to national cohesion and progress and everyone wo ever worked with him will live to remember him.

“His commitment to the prosperity and unity of Zambia was evident throughout his presidency, and his calm, measured leadership will be remembered by all who knew and worked with him,” Uhuru said.

I was at his bedside, give me time to mourn, Lungu’s ADC tells court

FORMER Aid De Camp to late President Edgar Lungu, Chisenga Chanda has informed the Lusaka High Court that he was on Lungu’s bedside in South Africa and needed more time to mourn.

Chanda through his lawyer, Charles Changano said he came to Zambia on Wednesday to appear before court but abruptly returned to South Africa upon receiving news of Lungu’s death.

In this matter, Chanda allegedly assisted a wanted suspect Shebby Chilekwa, who was later convicted and sentenced to 25 years for the 2019 murder of UPND cadre Lawrence Banda.

Chanda pleaded not guilty to one count of accessories after the fact to murder.

It is alleged that Chanda, while knowing that Shebby Chisenga Chilekwa, on October 6, 2019 in Kaoma district in Western province murdered Lawrence Banda, did between October 6, 2019 and February 4, 2022 in Lusaka, receive, comfort, harbour,assist and maintain the said Chanda.

But when the matter came up before Judge Ruth Chibbabbuka yesterday, Changano said his client had returned to South Africa upon receiving news of his boss’s death.

“The accused is not present today,he was at bedside. He had travelled back in the country for today’s hearing,but just yesterday he received the message that the former head of state had passed on and immediately travelled back to SA.”

“Due to circumstances that have befallen the country we apply that the matter be adjourned,” Changano submitted.

The state did not object to the application of adjournment.

The court extended its condolences to the accused and the nation at large.

“Matter adjourned to tentatively June 20 ,but i would understand if you wont be ready due to circumstances. But hopefully we can proceed on June 27,” court said.

By Lucy Phiri

Kalemba June 7, 2025

“PF fully supports the Govt’s leadership in the funeral arrangements”

The Patriotic Front -PF- says government will take charge of the funeral arrangements for former President EDGAR LUNGU.

Acting PF president GIVEN LUBINDA says former President LUNGU having served as Head of State, rightfully deserves the honour of a State Funeral in accordance with national tradition.

Speaking at the PF Secretariat in Lusaka, Mr. LUBINDA said the PF fully supports the Government’s leadership in the funeral arrangements, and urged all citizens to cooperate and participate respectfully.

And former Vice President INONGE WINA called for unity during this difficult time.
#EdgarLungu

The SADC Secretariat has learned with deep sorrow and profound sadness of the passing of His Excellency Mr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, the forme

r President of the Republic of Zambia on 05 June 2025.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia, the Lungu family, former First Lady, Ms. Esther Nyawa Lungu, the family and the Government and people of Zambia during this time of national mourning and grief.

President Lungu served the Republic of Zambia with distinction, and his contribution to regional integration, peace, and development will be remembered with great respect. As Chairperson of SADC from August 2015 to August 2016, President Lungu played a pivotal role in advancing the regional integration agenda. His leadership was instrumental in promoting democratic governance, industrialisation, and infrastructure development across the region.

Under his chairship, SADC witnessed important strides in economic cooperation and regional diplomacy. President Lungu also championed peace and security efforts in the region, and his unwavering commitment to unity and solidarity among SADC Member States reflected the core values of our Community.

As we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life dedicated to public service and Pan-African ideals. May his legacy inspire current and future generations to continue working toward a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous SADC region.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.️️️