THE daughter of jailed former Information Minister Chishimba Kambwili has made an emotional appeal to President Hakainde Hichilema to pardon her father on compassionate grounds, citing his deteriorating health.
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In a letter addressed to President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday, Chanda Kambwili called on the Head of State to exercise his constitutional prerogative of mercy and release her father from prison, where he is currently serving a five-month sentence for hate speech.
Chanda said although her father has been convicted and justice must take its course, compassion should also prevail when a human life is at stake.
She pointed to the President’s recent gestures of mercy, such as the pardon granted to former Defence Minister Geoffrey Bwalya Mwamba, and expressed hope that her father might be considered for similar relief.
“This is not a request for political favour, it is a daughter’s plea for her father’s life,” Chanda wrote.
“My father’s health has continued to deteriorate rapidly. His condition is no longer just a concern, it is a crisis. The prison environment, with its limitations in medical attention, is not conducive to his recovery. We, his family, fear the worst with each passing day.”
Kambwili is currently serving a five-month prison sentence after being convicted in November 2023 for hate speech.
The court found him guilty of making tribal remarks against the people of Southern Province, contrary to Section 70 (1) of the Penal Code, which prohibits expressions of hatred or ridicule based on tribe or place of origin.
His was out on bail pending appeal but later taken back behind bars after his appeal was dismissed by the High Court in Kasama on July 14, 2025.
His lawyer, Kennedy Mambwe, then confirmed that the former lawmaker would not pursue any further legal action and chose to serve his sentence.
Chanda emphasised that her father is more than just a political figure but also a husband, father and grandfather whose life now hangs in the balance.
By George Musonda
Kalemba August 18, 2025
