Zambia Must Prosper challenges DEC process in Archbishop Banda inquiry

Zambia Must Prosper leader Kelvin Fube Bwalya has raised legal, constitutional, and ecclesiastical objections to the Drug Enforcement Commission’s decision to summon Archbishop of Lusaka Alick Banda, arguing that the move reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of both criminal law and church governance.

Speaking during a public address delivered while on holiday, Kelvin Fube Bwalya, acting in his capacity as leader of Zambia Must Prosper, described the summons as a matter of national concern requiring clarity rather than conjecture. He confirmed that the Archbishop had been summoned by the DEC in connection with alleged money laundering and questioned the legal basis upon which the inquiry had been framed.

Kelvin Fube Bwalya anchored his remarks in the broader framework of constitutional democracy, stating that Zambia’s governance system is premised on the rule of law, good governance, and moral justice. He argued that leadership in a democratic society should be exercised through service and discernment, not through actions that may be perceived as intimidation or public embarrassment.

Addressing the structure of law enforcement in Zambia, Zambia Must Prosper stated that institutions such as the DEC, the Zambia Police Service, and the Anti-Corruption Commission operate under statutory arrangements that place them within executive oversight. According to Kelvin Fube Bwalya, this framework makes it implausible for an action of such public significance to occur without awareness at the highest levels of government.

The Zambia Must Prosper leader then turned to the governance structure of the Catholic Church, outlining that archbishops are appointed by the Vatican and report through established ecclesiastical and diplomatic channels. He argued that summoning an Archbishop carries implications beyond the individual cleric and touches on institutional relationships that require careful handling.

Central to the objection raised by Zambia Must Prosper was the issue of church donations. Kelvin Fube Bwalya explained that churches receive financial and material support from congregants and benefactors under strict principles of confidentiality. He noted that Catholic clergy are bound by moral and ethical obligations not to disclose donor identities, likening this responsibility to the professional confidentiality observed by lawyers and medical practitioners.

He argued that the summons places Archbishop Banda in a position where responding fully to questions about donations could require breaching church doctrine. According to Zambia Must Prosper, the exercise of the right to silence under such circumstances should not be construed as obstruction or admission of wrongdoing but rather as adherence to established ethical obligations.

Kelvin Fube Bwalya also challenged the legal framing of the alleged offence, stating that money laundering cannot exist in isolation and must be anchored to a predicate offence. He questioned whether the DEC had identified any underlying criminal activity attributed to the Archbishop that would generate proceeds capable of being laundered. He asked whether there was any allegation that Archbishop Banda had personally engaged in theft, fraud, drug trafficking, or other illicit conduct.

To illustrate the normalcy of church donations, Zambia Must Prosper referenced historical practices in which political leaders across administrations have made contributions to churches of various denominations. Kelvin Fube Bwalya questioned whether such donations, long accepted as part of religious life, could retrospectively be criminalised without destabilising church-state relations.

Concerns were also raised about the public nature of the summons. Zambia Must Prosper argued that matters involving senior religious figures should be handled with discretion to avoid unnecessary public tension. Kelvin Fube Bwalya noted that the Catholic Church represents a significant portion of Zambia’s population and that actions taken against its leadership inevitably resonate beyond legal procedure.

The statement further referenced past instances where Archbishop Banda and other senior clerics have intervened in politically sensitive situations, including peace-building efforts and engagement with detained political figures. Zambia Must Prosper presented these actions as part of the Church’s longstanding role in national reconciliation.

Kelvin Fube Bwalya cautioned that law enforcement actions framed as procedural may be perceived differently when directed at moral or religious leaders, particularly in a politically charged environment. He warned that such perceptions could contribute to instability if not managed with restraint and clarity.

Zambia Must Prosper concluded its address by affirming its support for Archbishop Banda and reiterating its commitment to constitutional order, church principles, and moral ethics. Kelvin Fube Bwalya stated that the organisation would not accept what it described as harassment or intimidation of religious leadership and confirmed that the address represented its formal position on the matter