By Kapya Kaoma
The passing of former President Edgar Lungu marks not only a national tragedy but also a solemn moment for reflection in Zambian politics. It offers those in leadership—especially President Hakainde Hichilema—an opportunity to reconsider the tone and tenor of political engagement that has defined the country’s recent past. It is a moment to acknowledge that political rivalry, when driven by personal antagonism and amplified by state institutions, can corrode the foundations of democratic civility.
Since taking office, President Hichilema cast Mr. Lungu as his central adversary. Public discourse was saturated with sharp criticism, dismissive remarks, and pointed rhetoric aimed at delegitimizing the former president’s political ambitions and personal dignity. Lungu was portrayed as a national pariah, repeatedly told he would never return to State House as long as Hichilema was in power. References to possible imprisonment, mockery of his political comeback as ‘kutumpa,” and threats of “imingalato” to block his path back to the presidency were just a few examples of Hichilema’s combative—and at times demeaning—approach.
This hostility was neither subtle nor incidental. It was sustained, public, and unmistakable.
In the wake of Lungu’s death, it would be disingenuous to ignore this history. The national discourse must reckon with the impact such rhetoric has had—not only on Lungu’s legacy but on our national politics.
It also forces us to confront an uncomfortable, perhaps inevitable, public truth; President Hichilema’s most formidable challenger is now gone—not through the ballot, but through death. The constitutional questions surrounding Lungu’s eligibility, once central to Zambia’s political debates, have now been silenced. As a result, when the President expresses sorrow over Lungu’s death, many may quietly wonder–what exactly is he mourning?
This is a sobering reminder of the power of language. Words are never neutral. They frame public perception, shape emotional responses, and leave residues that outlast any single administration. Had it been known that Lungu would not live to contest the 2026 elections, would the President’s rhetoric have been different? Would we have seen more restraint, greater civility, deeper respect?
Though President Hichilema may now offer heartfelt condolences, their reception remains uncertain. Many Zambians—and perhaps Lungu’s own family—will remember the antagonism that defined their relationship. It is hard to reconcile today’s condolences with yesterday’s condemnations.
Lungu’s passing also suggests untold erosion of empathy in political life. Politicians, above all else, are human beings. They suffer illness, loss, and, ultimately, death. They are not mere vessels of power or policy, but individuals deserving of dignity and humane treatment—even in opposition.
This is a moment that demands a renewed commitment to ubuntu—the African ethical principle affirming our shared humanity. Without it, political life descends into suspicion, antagonism, and moral decay. We begin to whisper accusations, nurture distrust, and lose sight of our mutual obligations as citizens.
President Hichilema must now confront a perception—fair or not—that his political opponents have fallen while his own position has grown stronger. He is, of course, not responsible for events beyond his control, and there is no evidence suggesting any culpability. Still, in African tradition, perception outweighs fact.
For some, this reality will stir uncomfortable comparisons with other contexts where political rivals vanished or died under questionable circumstances. While such parallels should not be made lightly, they reflect a broader regional unease that cannot be ignored. In recent memory, Edith Nawakwi died under similar conditions. Today, Zambia mourns Edgar Lungu. The unsettling question that now lingers is, who might be next?
One cannot help but feel sympathy for President Hichilema. History has cast him in a difficult role—one in which his own ascent coincides with the disappearance of his rivals. Whether by design or by fate, their shadows will trail him into the future. Sadly the nation, in quiet reflection, will continue to watch, remember, and whisper to the wind.
May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory. Amen.
We hold our peace.
It is simply a lesson to all politicians that take resolving political scores personally. This list that you include HH on includes all former presidents perhaps with the exception of RB who was quite mellow about this. Zambians also need to reflect on our expectations of ‘revenge’ from politicians. Lungu himself, MHSRIP, was non the kinder to HH.
Rather than SINCERELY mourning Edgar Lungu, the author found it appropriate to weaponize this untimely death for political points against HH.
Shame on Kapya Kaoma ,doing the very same sins he’s attacking HH for.
I don’t understand why you want to pretend now that Lungu is dead. You showed so much hatred against him. Good news is that he does much more beloved than your Bally! Shame is sweet
But he’s telling the truth he’s raised points that are valid and in public domain social media has kept all information
U lack reasoning. U want to hear what your tingling ears want. This article is spot on . In case u live in eutopia this is what many Zambians are saying except those like u.
Rest in peace ECL. U worked hard for this nation. You will be missed dearly
ECL was taking subliminal shots at HH. Mr if you remember, HH once while responding to a question about ECL; stated that he spoke to ECL. But what was coming from the PF camp was different. “I speak to by brother, but in media it’s other stories”
Like President like cadre-. -BUUUFIIIII KUBECHAAAAA
All of you should stop defending wrong things. Politicians should start treating each with civility and respect when alive, the humbleness expressed when one passes on should be like that even one is alive. Yes, politics will always have differencs but it is important to exercise restraint with words. Imagine the man was even restricted from jogging with his fans and supporters, something he loved so much to keep fit and healthy. Let us always encourage unity. And agree to disagree in a good manner
Not sure how to respond to this negative article, more so that the nation is in mourning. But just a few comments for you:
If words coming from HH contributed to his demise (I think that’s how I have interpreted), how do you compare what HH went through? The jailing, being bundled in a truck with fresh human waste, locked in a dark smelling room, gassing him not only in his house where cadres ate food and helped themselves in pots, gassing in radio stations, and flying live bullets, and all the inhumane experience under the instructions of ecl?
If this is what ecl were to go through as a opposition leader, then becomes president, would HH have been spared?
Next time, mind what you post. We all lived our lives under PF and our memories are still fresh.
your comment should have been reserved for the approach of the 2026 elections
for comparison purposes
Nsama, your comment does not justify anything. What you are basically doing is advocating for revenge. HH said in opposition that if we are going to do what PF did to us then we are not different from them. That is the difference we would have loved to see which is not there. My friendly advice is that If you and your party does not change in the way you treat others especially the opposition, 2026 elections will be very harsh on you.
What has even changed ba Nsama na imwe. Cadres are still there, operating under radar but very much there. Constitution amendments are flawed and resented by stake holders. Cost of living has worsened under UPND. Don’t write as if your record is good, for the avoidance of doubt your record is not good, and I am writing as somebody who knows that both the UPND and the opposition are seriously incompetent to transform the lives of Zambians
Just imagine, certain sections of our community have selective political memory like the American MAGAs. They forget the brutality HH faced. In fact HH has exercised a lot of restraint.
Thanks ECL. Your economy was by far better than the worst situation we are in from 2021. Go well the humble and great leader.
*****s will always be among us.Pf borrowed kaloba and defaulted to pay back cause your country was bankrupt.You really don’t know what you are talking about.This same money disappeared.Pensioners were not being paid,yet we have you celebrating.Student allowances where cut,we still have you celebrating.Farmers were not paid their money.Your economy was in shambles/ICU . Lets just mourn the man leave this story you don’t even understand
Auto Musonda, what you are saying are small things with minimal impact. Zambians are hungry. The cost of living has gone up under UPND. Also note that the discussion on the cost of living cannot be halted because of a funeral. Funeral or no funeral people have to eat
Well said Musonda ,factual submission.
I hope to see a day when we reset our politics. When ruling and opposition parties stop carrying machetes but hold joint addresses/debate issues in communities on what they can deliver and shake hands afterwards. This how it is done Botswana and Botswana works well as a country. The current dispensation of command posts and commanders, cadres needs to be outlawed. Whom are we fighting? Ourselves? The Rwanda model is personality cult and is bound to collapse when Kagame dies.
It’s wrong to lump up political rivalries and vendetta episodes with the periods for mourning
In times like this we all want to Assume only God reigns against the mystery of death
Being a uniting and stabilizing force has never been one of Kapya Kaoma’s attributes. His has always been to stir things up even at the wrong moment when people are in mourning. It’s not the time for such a diatribe.
Freedom of speech cannot and should never be suspended because of a funeral. Please be guided accordingly
Morality trumps law.
Let the truth be told. ECL arrested HH 15 times for no crime at all. UPND wasn’t allowed to mobilise or campaign. Many UPND members were either arrested or killed. Before the elections, ECL declared after the elections he would arrest HH and let him rot in prison. There was an attempt even to kill HH. But HH hasn’t been vindictive.
This is utterly nonsense. It’s wrong to say bad things about a dead person. Our culture doesn’t permit. ECL was brutal sir. No one aired any views under pf. PF greedy has killed ECL. Even when you were told he was unwell, you still forced him to return to active politics. Just like you are playing politics in in his death. Mumbi phiri and Nakachinda have killed ECL. Isoni ebuntu.
Nervous but not betrayor, what u should under stand is that u can’t eat without working u where used to be given and not to work for u to eat so please work up join those few that are able to produce because in this country we are few that can produce to feed so many lets change the narrative let us be many in producing food to feed those lazy few and that hunger u are talking about won’t be there.
U lack reasoning. U want to hear what your tingling ears want. This article is spot on . In case u live in eutopia this is what many Zambians are saying except those like u.
Rest in peace ECL. U worked hard for this nation. You will be missed dearly
No, their shadows will NOT trail him into the future. You are forgetting that it is Lungu who said was to be arrested once he wins in 2021. Nawakwi hated HH with a passion. I am not a supporter of HH, but be truthful, the man hated HH to the core. Frankly speaking all our politicians behave the same. They show the same hatred against their opponents. ECL was not an angel, no one took away his dignity except himself. The man was sick long before he became president.
I wonder if you ever studied logic. By starting with, “I am not a supporter of HH,” you exposed yourself. Go on and lie since you’re a disciple of a greatest liar in Zambian history!
I am afraid the commentator has an amazing selective memory. He has chosen to ignore and forget how the uncompromising and dangerous PF Cardres nearly destroyed our democracy. Let’s not take the prevailing peace for granted please.
I don’t know what you guys are differing about here. Both leaders treated each other in certain ways, but if you claim you are a church elder and doing revenge, then it’s better you relinquish your position