ECONOMIC Front Party (EFP) president Wynter Kabimba has publicly challenged claims that the late Sixth Republican President Edgar Lungu did not wish for President Hakainde Hichilema to attend his funeral.
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Speaking on ZNBC’s Sunday Interview, Kabimba said such narratives distort Lungu’s character and do not reflect his personal interactions with the former head of state.
“I do not believe that ECL would have said that if he died, he does not want HH anywhere near his funeral, I cannot believe that. That does not reflect his character,” Kabimba stated.
Kabimba added that he never observed bitterness or hatred from Lungu in their post-presidency interactions.
While acknowledging Lungu’s concerns about his and his family’s treatment after leaving office, Kabimba maintained that Lungu never spoke in hateful terms about his successor.
The former Justice Minister called on those organising the funeral to prioritise unity and respect the dignity of the presidency, rather than allowing the event to devolve into a political dispute.
Meanwhile, an agreement has been reached between Government and the Lungu family for the repatriation of the former Head of State’s remains from South Africa on Wednesday, June 18.
A key term of this agreement stipulates that both parties must reach a consensus on who will speak during the funeral proceedings.
Kabimba, however, expressed concern that restricting speakers at the funeral risks transforming a national event into a private affair.
He appealed to the Lungu family to reconsider their position in the coming days, advocating for the funeral to remain a truly national occasion open to all Zambians wishing to mourn and honour the late former president.
By George Musonda
Kalemba June 16, 2025
