Incarcerated opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema has sent a passionate update from prison assuring his supporters that he is alive and still in good spirit despite numerous measures aimed at killing his spirit.
And Mr Hichilema has condemned the increasing cases of violence in the country which he said has reached sacrosanct places such as the graveyard.
In an update posted on his Facebook page, Mr Hichilema thanked those that have been sending him and his five co-accused books and other literary works for them to have a full understanding of what they are going through.
Mr Hichilema has also reiterated that they are not looking for public sympathy adding that he does not want President Edgar Lungu to release them but that they are looking for justice.
He said there is no President who can release us because this matter is before the courts of law.
Below is Mr Hichilema’s update
Dear Colleagues,
We would like to assure you that we are alive and still in good spirits, despite numerous measures aimed at killing our spirit. And we would like to most sincerely thank you colleagues out there for sending us books and other literary works for us to just have a full understanding of what is going on.
Certainly, we are also grateful to one mother out there who gave us the book, “Long Walk to Freedom”. This is the story of Nelson Mandela which is very instructive.
However, we would like to paraphrase it this way “Prison is meant to destroy your spirit, this is the reason they give you the same clothes and treat you the same way.” We are not yet convicted but the treatment we are receiving is like that of a convicted prisoner.
Nevertheless, that does not bother us at all. We have seen it all, experienced it all in the days we have been here, nothing can be worse than what we have already been subjected to, but we are telling the persecutors that our minds are intact. Our Lord God and His son Jesus Christ have been on our side.
Colleagues as we stated earlier, we are here for justice. We have heard many progressive citizens and groups call for our release. We are truly grateful for your efforts.
We have equally heard another school of thought going round that there is no President with powers to release us; Yes, at the moment that is true and we agree with that school of thought also. There is no President who can release us because this matter is before the courts of law.
In any case, we are not here on a sympathy expedition colleagues; we are here because someone somewhere thinks we committed a crime. And what we want is the truth to see its day in court. Ours is a fight for democracy and a better Zambia for all.
Our democracy is being abrogated every day, but we can assure you that we are here to address this cancer that is eating the country alive while we watch. The Patriotic Front and its leaders are a failed project. That is a fact and even the PF know that they have failed.
However, we remain determined not to allow the PF to destroy this country. We would like you, fellow citizens, who care for this country to add your voices and throw your weight behind this crusade called “operation restore democracy.”
We have one country and that country is Zambia, we therefore cannot allow it to be taken backwards as the case is now.
The second issue we want to touch on is the issue of the violence that is now escalating and even reaching sacrosanct places such as the graveyard.
This is totally unacceptable and immoral. When we say this country is on autopilot, this is what we mean. We are vindicated. We cannot have a situation like that happen in our country, for Christ’s sake, such behavior must be stopped forthwith.
What is happening colleagues are signs of a failed state? You might want to argue with us on this point, but the issue is simple; who is in charge of this country? Who is supposed to protect those citizens being attacked at funerals? Where is Zambia police?
If Government cannot show up where innocent mourners are attacked by criminals from a party claiming leadership, at a place that is just 3 kilometers from the center of power, tell us how that Government will show up in Nakonde which is 1700 kilometers from Lusaka?
This violence we are abating will one day escalate to a level where we shall fail to manage it. Whoever claims to be in Government must step up now and address this issue aggressively.
If we were irresponsible we would have called on our supporters to arm and protect themselves, but where will that get us, as a country? Is it asking too much to at least respect our burial sites? Are we animals now that we have failed to reason as human beings and turning every opportunity into a battle field?
This is very shameful countrymen and women, let us respect our departed loved ones. We cannot belittle our lost beloved ones like that and this is why when our time to run the affairs of our country come, we will surely respect all of you and uphold morals befitting a Christian nation.
Have a productive week colleagues and we can assure you that we are fine.
Thank you for the sustained support.
God Bless you all,
God Bless Zambia
HH.
HH also instead of enjoying your peak years you are spending your time wallowing away in prison! Prison wont make you strong- ask Dean! You must repent and immediately enjoy your peak let even GBM or others to finish off what you started! We will still put a befitting tag on your tombstone! I respect you more than most of us who blog but I always think of my family first!
He sure sounds like he’s in good spirits
Repent from what you also who speak as if you are drunk with kachasu. The person who needs is the demon possesed dictator of Zambia.
How do you keep referring to yourself as “We”…Ni ngulu?
Ignore this worthless paper it’s not worth the paper it’s written on. What colleagues does he have ?
Thanks
Bb2014,2016
Mutinta said they came home to kill my husband. We didn’t believe her. Now the state is saying for his own safety he has to be transferred. They might kill him and say we told you it was for his safety. Maybe she was right.
Rubbish. So you want the Zambia Police to be at graveyards to protect your cadres?
Mulimbe, mu ponoka every day.
how old are you if you are a youth, what i say is think BIG,understand what people are saying dont think kuponoka
THANKS HH, at least YOU have SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT :”He said there is no President who can release us because this matter is before the courts of law”- PLEASE LET YOUR SUPPORTERS and those politicians and “church” who are AGITATING FOR YOUR UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE TO TAKE NOTE!! Only the legal process will free you and that will make no one seem to be kind to you but will CLEAR YOUR NAME and LEAVE YOU FREE FROM FURTHER POSSIBLE “HARASSMENT”. An innocent person should be left to PROVE HIS INNOCENCE!!
@Bwafyaa:exactly my thought.
HH has put it in white and black that “THERE IS NO PRESIDENT IN ZAMBIA TO RELEASE HIM FROM JAIL”.so from now, all Zambians must follow what HH has said.hope Telesphore Mpundu(a known upnd cadre) has heard this.
On violence,HH as usual has not blamed upnd cadres.to him,only PF cadres are violent.HH WILL NEVER REPENT,SO ITS HIGH TIME HE WAS SHOWN THAT HE IS A NOBODY IN OUR POLITICS BY CONVICTING HIM!!!
By the way,HH wont be made a hero in jail.he is simply killing himself by prolonging his stay in jail.PLEASE PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU, SEE HOW ARROGANT HH IS,HENCE LET THE LAW TAKE ITS COURSE-NO SHORTS CUTS !!AS FOR YOU HH,PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS NO SYMPATHY FOR YOU ESPECIALLY IN 6.5 PROVINCES,SO YOU WILL ROT IN JAIL IF YOU PLAY WITH THE PRESIDENCY!!
Compare what ECL said about the violence at the funeral to what HH said.
One said “I challenge you….” the other says “…such behavior must be stopped forthwith”.
Hmmmm, I am scratching my head, what is more presidential? I leave it to you.
Peace to all.
Now what did U5 just say, that President Lungu has no powers to set him free? At least he agrees with President Lungu on that one, but more important he seems to finally accept that there is A President in Zambia. Surely he cannot be talking about a foreign President can he? Wonders shall never end, UPNDonkeys take note, your HH (my underfive) no longer thinnks like you!
As for the rest of his statement, please tell him that we dont think much of him or his opinion, uko kwine ku ma UPNDonkeys aba kuconga.
Yes sir, “Whoever claims to be in Government must step up now and address this issue aggressively.” Just a reminder you are in power because Lungu did not win why the doubt. Just step up and address the issue. After all you won the elections in 3 provinces. Some people will never learn.
we praying for you HH & others who facing the same calamities, all what u should know even other people of Zambia to remember is the children of Israel in Egypt with pharaoh. it tacks only the power of God to save his people, therefore, let us give thanks in everything ONLY GOD KNOWS
it was God , who sent his children to Egypt, do not just compare yourselves with any scripture? Repent and turn to God then HE will remember you, God said to Moses i have heard the cries of my children…..
Zambia is now more peaceful.
What is the meaning of peace? With this thinking, are you a human being? Do you even have a job? What is your purpose of being on earth? Is it just to expose your stupidity?
Under Five Card Clinic with Under Five Card Supporters.
no objectivity in most of your comments
The Quality of content by some bloggers here is discouraging.
Theirs no intellectual input from the PF cadres, they are only united by their mutual hatted for HH.
Other than the drivel they don’t have much to say.
That is how a real president should inspire the nation to move on despite harassment, repression and injustice mated by a fearful regime.
“We are not yet convicted but the treatment we are receiving is like that of a convicted prisoner.”
If this doesn’t bother you I don’t know what would disturb you?
MMMMMM Zambian prisons are but the best where they allow the incarcerated to communicate with the public. If Zambia was under a dictator such things like writing to the public while in prison could not take place. Any way HH you could have avoided this. All the best sir.
I feel pity for Kaili-1 because his lawyers are ripping him again. Martha Mushipe has even stopped being harrasedby her landlords. My advice to Kaili-1 is to humble himself and look forward to 2021. Sata waited even hen he knew he had been dribbled, he waited until the chance presented itself. HH, that chance wont come when you are behind bars so try as much as possible to avoid things and people (e.g GBM) that would ensure your visit to Percy Chato’s hotel
This hh is not showing signs of growth. How can he say zambia is a failed state and expect the same failed state to aquit him. I encourage this under5 to remain mute because his arrogance will just prolong his stay in prison. I wonder how many inmates are accessing Facebook like him and abke to comment on their case. These are the issyes he neds to think about if his accusations are true that their is no freedom of expression in zambia.
Uumh, Nakonde 1700 km from Lusaka? Sounds like the spirit might still be intact but the part of the brain that adds up numbers has fallen apart already.
1700 kays is Lusaka-Dar almost, only 300km shy.
Wishing the gentleman the best of health though.
Even me i was just wondering. That is Lusaka to Pretoria distance. Lusaka Nakonde is only 1050kms somewhere there about. BUT I feel for HH as he does not understand the issues in the Country. Every legal professional draws a salary from the government that is run by a Cabinet whose Chair is the President (ECL). So failed state and you want the failed state to give you justice. I am just thinking maybe i am also confused!!
Some dullness has been exhibited by those who think HH has agreed with Lungu that no president can release. HH’s language is diplomatic and we call it a diplomatic insult and we have heavy-headed people celebrating. THINK THRU THE STATEMENT BEFORE YOU HIT YOUR KEYBOARD!
The guilty are afraid
To All Zambians: The Bible teaches us to be Kind to each other: Read Mathew 5: V Blessed are the Peace Makers for they shall be called Children of God.
talking to TRUMP…Is he not responding?? what happened to that failed project? LOL
And I qoute”…. Who is in charge of this country”. I presume you mean ECL. You have categorically refused to recognise him as president and you have called the police corrupt, of thugs etc, yet you want protection!! This is hypocrisy at its highest. Remove the log from your eye before you remove the speck in your friends eye. Don’t contradict yourself, you are confusing us.
To GOD be the glory. Every human being has his day. Today it is someone ‘s time , tomorrow will be another’s. Consider your ways during your time because all that you say and do shall be brought before GOD’s judgement.
Woe to whom temptations come from. It could have been better for him not to be born than cause the little one to fall. Every one that live a godly life shall suffer persecution.
A child of GOD shall never rejoice when his enemy falls.
Our being is in the hand of GOD.
If ECL thinks the imprisonment of HH will make him humble, he is wrong.The life of both ECL and HH is in the hands of GOD. GOD has allowed ECL and the state to do HH at a certain limit. Beyond that limit GOD shall intervene.
Watch and pray for the salvation of Zambians…..
GOD is more powerful than…
Why I don’t take HH seriously is that from the time he joined politics as UPND president, he has never supported any good cause done by the government, starting from late Michael Sata to ECL. To be an opposition leader is to offer checks and balances to the government and at the same time to offer sustainable solutions. But his energy, his very soul is erroneously centered on only passing condemnation. In his mind he thinks he is selling himself but that is exactly the opposite.
YABA! Ba guy aba kanshi epo baaba?
Trying to be relevant unnecessarily.
The great one , your views are yours, and have to be respected. So are others holding different views from you.
Never expect praise from anyone or would be disappointed in life. Do your part faithfully and live your life without being a copy of ECL or HH. Tolerate others’ views but don’t hate them.
Currently ECL must tame his cadres first to show leadership. His cadres are terrible evil. At a funeral , they butcher mourners. Sad indeed. I don’t support evil. I don’t support UPND cadres insult ECL…. It is evil…
I totally agree with HH when he says EL has the power to stop this barbaric headless cadre-ism. Our leaders at the moment, HH inclussive, are failing us big time. When the people in Namwala did the unthinkable, HH was very quiet. When Sakwiba was brutalised, HH was Quiet. When Nakachinda was beaten and stripped at the MMD secretariat and Nevers Mumba was quiet. We saw the running battles with Maureen and Nalumango by PF cadres, EL was quiet. The power lies in the Heads of these parties. All they have to do is tell their followers to STOP the ROT and offer no protection for lawlessness. you will see a shift in law obidience
“operation restore democracy.” Yes we look forward to that HH
God bless you and your friends.
Self-imposed imprisonment, bwana HH. It’s in your head. You can’t possibly be the best and brightest in zambia. You don’t see the good in others. You’re Mr Good Democracy. Mr Good Economy, Mr Good Party leader. The Dear One. The Chosen One. The Rubble Riser. And now, The Moralist. Only when your upnd is in power. Only when you are the leader of that party. It’s in your head.
You’ve been shown that zambia can go on without you. That Zambians can craft a Constitution Inspite of your objection. And that the People’s Constitution will bite you if you interfere. But of course, you never learn. Go on Moralizing, HH. And Good Luck!
Guys spare the man…..ala mwamupwa HH. Anyway he deserves it. Achilamo…everyday HH this… HH that…does he buy mealie meal for us?
Great statement. Fellow Zambians democracy is under threat. We need to reclaim our democracy and freedom of speech, association and media. Unless we redeem ourselves from hypocrisy, where leaders pretend to pray but with evil hearts, we are headed for doom.