CITIZENS First leader Harry Kalaba has vowed to take it upon himself to bury former president Edgar Lungu if the ongoing burial standoff continues into 2026, saying he will personally bring closure to the matter once he becomes Head of State.
Kalaba said Zambians, especially the Lungu family have been subjected to unnecessary delays and emotional distress over Lungu’s unsettled burial arrangements.
He argued that Lungu had been mishandled both in life and in death by the UPND government, describing the situation as unimaginable humiliation and unbefitting of Zambian culture.
Appearing on KennyT One on One podcast, Kalaba insisted that if no resolution is reached before the general elections, he will take full responsibility.
“If Lungu won’t be buried before elections, me myself, I will put this matter to rest when I win next year. He deserves honour for the seven years he ruled this country. What has happened to him is culturally wrong,” said Kalaba.
He appealed to the current administration to have compassion, saying their hearts must be softened by the Holy Spirit, and allow Lungu to finally rest in peace.
President Lungu died on June 5, 2025, and five months down the line, his body has not yet been buried.
Meanwhile, positioning himself as a strong contender in the 2026 race, Kalaba said he has grown in political strength since 2021.
“I came out number 3 in 2021 during the presidential race. Lungu was second but he’s dead now hence, I’m supposed to take over the second position, but since President Hichilema has failed, I will come out number one next year.”
“Hichilema’s shoe is big, it needs me because that’s my foot size,” he stated.
He further promised sweeping governance reforms, including abolishing the Public Order Act, which he claimed has restricted political freedoms and shrunk civic space.
Kalaba also pledged to put Zambians at the center of national development, vowing to end the trend of awarding major business opportunities to foreign companies.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba November 25, 2025
