PLAYING POLITICS WITH THE DEAD: MAKEBI ZULU’S DESPERATE BID FOR POWER
Last week, Makebi Zulu declared his intention to run for the presidency in Zambia’s 2026 elections. This announcement comes after months of controversy surrounding his continued custody of the late President Edgar Lungu’s body in South Africa since June 5, 2025. Zulu claims he is acting on behalf of the Lungu family, but it has become evident that he has been using this sensitive situation to serve his own political interests.
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how Makebi Zulu was exploiting the impasse for personal advantage. Today, his presidential declaration confirms those concerns. Zulu has weaponized grief and loyalty, manipulating the late president’s legacy to build a political platform. In his mind, holding onto the body of Edgar Lungu would convince voters that he is the “chosen one” to carry on Lungu’s vision. But Zambians are not blind to such manipulation.
In his official statement, Zulu spoke eloquently about constitutionalism, justice, and accountable leadership:
“As Zambia continues to redefine its future, I stand guided by one enduring conviction: that the strength of our Republic rests on respect for the Constitution and fidelity to justice. Our nation’s journey demands sober reflection and responsible voices. Leadership must first heal and then build; it must restore faith in governance, protect citizens’ rights, and open opportunity for every community.”
Yet these carefully chosen words stand in sharp contrast to his actions. While he speaks of justice and healing, he continues to hold onto the body of a man who can no longer defend himself turning national mourning into political leverage.
The saddest reality is that his actions have complicated the Lungu family’s mourning process and transformed a solemn matter into a public spectacle. What was meant to preserve dignity has instead become a tool for personal ambition. In time, the Lungu family may come to regret ever entrusting him with such a sensitive responsibility.
Zambia deserves leaders who honor both life and legacy not those who exploit death for power. This episode stands as a warning: emotional manipulation and opportunism are no substitutes for principle.
Makebi Zulu has revealed himself as a lawyer who has abandoned both ethics and decency, using the dead to advance his political ambitions.
Sikaile C Sikaile
Good Governance and Human Rights Activist
Katombola constituency Independent aspiring MP for 2026
Hakainde too much ulunkonena. He just can not let it go. The ECL do not want him near the body of ECL. If he had allowed ECL to travel for medical treatment 2 years ago, he would still be alive today. Now he wants front row seat to do body viewing. Why does he want to access the body? No means no. He has been rejected by the family but he wants to force himself. ECL would never have wanted him anywhere near his dead body. In the meantime, the empty grave awaits a suitable candidate. Life is funny, someone might even get buried before ECL is buried.
“HE THAT DIGS HOLES FOR OTHERS, SHALL HIMSELF BE BURIED IN THEM”. -EDITH NAWAKWI.
VOTE FOR CHANGE IN 2026.
We will not tolerate greed to override our governance system.If we allow a president who loses elections not to allow the incoming one to preside over his funeral in case of death,then we allow a very bad precident in our country.Because future presidents will use the same if they don’t want the incumbent to reside over their funeral.SO LET HH BE THERE.
Indingo even if you hate someone
Remember what the bible states love your neighbour as you love yourself. Donot wish anyone dead because u are not the giver of life
Lungu was poisoned by fellow PF members to gain access to their stolen wealth because he was trying to play clever
Zulu is in support of ECL to be buried in south africa after serving Zambia as president . He is undermining the current Government using a dead person to gain political mileage knowingly. Can he also announce the country he is to be buried after serving Zambia as president. All other aspiring candidates must state where they will be buried when they die . An eye opener has been set by the Lungu family busted by family lawyer become president