HAMASAKA HITS BACK AT FORMER BOTSWANA PRESIDENT IAN KHAMA
By: Kirby Kaoma Musonda
State House Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka has hit back at former Botswana President Ian Khama following remarks attributed to him criticising Zambia’s governance and President Hakainde Hichilema..
In a strongly worded statement, Mr Hamasaka questioned Mr Khama’s conduct and his criticism of President Hichilema, arguing that the former Botswana leader had previously visited State House and held discussions with the Zambian Head of State.
Mr Hamasaka said he found it difficult to understand how Mr Khama could allegedly describe President Hichilema as a dictator after previously engaging him at State House while pursuing what he described as personal interests.
He also questioned Mr Khama’s understanding of the longstanding relationship between Zambia and Botswana, pointing to the strong family and cultural ties between the two neighbouring countries, including intermarriages among their citizens.
“We have lots of intermarriage between Zambia and Botswana, so we can’t believe those statements are attributed to a former President,” Mr Hamasaka stated.
He further questioned Mr Khama’s personal conduct, saying he would respond more fully to the former president’s statements when he heard that he had finally married, adding that he wanted to engage some of his children in the discussion.
In another serious allegation, Mr Hamasaka claimed that Mr Khama was among individuals who had sponsored a militia group in Zambia, alleging that the matter had been known for years.
He also accused the former Botswana leader of hypocrisy, alleging that some individuals reportedly under police investigation were his personal relatives and questioning whether he had declared those relationships.
Mr Hamasaka further expressed surprise at Mr Khama’s reported comments, saying he had previously seen posts on the former president’s Facebook page but had chosen not to respond
The exchange has added another dimension to the ongoing debate surrounding comments attributed to Mr Khama about Zambia’s political leadership and governance.
However, the allegations concerning militia sponsorship and alleged family connections remain claims made by Mr Hamasaka and have not been independently verified.
You cannot defend those accusations with intermarriage allegations and pursuit of personal interests. Tackle the issue at hand, not raw anger. You have not said anything convincing. We will see how you handle the third term lust.