I CALLED HICHILEMA EVIL BECAUSE I WAS HURT, SAYS KATELE KALUMBA.
I CALLED HICHILEMA EVIL BECAUSE I WAS HURT, SAYS KATELE KALUMBA.
Former Cabinet Minister Dr Katele Kalumba has apologised to President Hakainde Hichilema for referring to him as “evil”, saying the remarks were made during a difficult and emotionally charged period.
In a personal statement of reflection and apology, Dr Kalumba said he regretted using the word, describing it as excessively strong and personal.
Dr Kalumba explained that he was angry and deeply hurt by what he perceived as an attack on his family. However, he acknowledged that his emotions should not have influenced the language he used against the President.
He maintained that he had a right to defend his family and speak strongly on matters of public interest, but stressed that his apology did not mean abandoning his political convictions or his constitutional right as a citizen to question and criticise public officials.
«“I simply recognise that disagreement does not require disrespect,” Dr Kalumba said.»
He further said that, as a Christian, he believes words matter and that people are called upon to speak the truth with humility, dignity and love.
Dr Kalumba said he was taking responsibility for his words and sincerely apologised to President Hichilema and anyone who may have been hurt or offended by his remarks.
He also asked for forgiveness and extended forgiveness, urging Zambians to learn how to disagree without losing respect for one another.
The statement was sent on Dr Kalumba’s behalf by his wife, who disclosed that his phones had been in the custody of Kabwe Police since September 24.
According to his wife, the statement was dictated to her by Dr Kalumba and sent at 22:03 hours on September 24 to the Director General of Intelligence and Security, Friday Nyambe, with a request that it be forwarded to President Hichilema.
– Zambian Watch.