STATEMENT ON REMARKS ATTRIBUTED TO DR KATELE KALUMBA AGAINST PRESIDENT HAKAINDE HICHILEMA
25 September 2026 | Lusaka, Zambia
The alleged threatening remarks attributed to former Finance Minister Dr Katele Kalumba against His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema deserve unequivocal condemnation from all Zambians of goodwill.
Zambia is a constitutional democracy in which political disagreement, criticism and dissent are legitimate. However, political differences must never become an excuse for threats, intimidation or language that undermines the dignity of public office.
As a former senior government official, Dr Kalumba understands the responsibilities that accompany public leadership. Those who have had the privilege of serving our Republic bear a particular responsibility to promote restraint, mutual respect and peaceful political engagement. Besides, the younger generation of Zambians is watching and learning from those who are our Senior Citizens especially
The Presidency is a national institution, not a political possession. Respect for that institution must transcend party affiliation, personal differences and electoral competition. Whoever occupies the highest office in our Republic is not above criticism, but neither should they be denied the respect and dignity that the office commands.
At the same time, we must recognise that Dr Kalumba is entitled to the presumption of innocence and the full protection of the law. The allegations against him must be addressed through established legal processes, without interference or prejudgment.
The Zambia Police Service deserves commendation for respecting Dr Kalumba’s procedural rights by releasing him on police bond following his arrest and formal charging. The rule of law must apply equally to all citizens, irrespective of their political affiliation or standing in society.
Our democracy must remain strong enough to accommodate vigorous criticism while rejecting threats and intimidation, regardless of who makes them or who is targeted. We must never allow political disagreement to degenerate into personal hostility or conduct that threatens our national peace.
Zambia belongs to all of us. Our political differences must never become greater than our shared responsibility to preserve peace, national unity and constitutional order.
Let us disagree without hatred, criticise without intimidation and compete politically without compromising the peace of our Republic.
Political differences are temporary. Zambia is our permanent collective responsibility.
HON. SUNDAY CHANDA
Former Member of Parliament – Kanchibiya Constituency
Workers’ Rights Advocate
Development Above Politics