Kalaba Slams Hichilema Over Alleged Secret Constitution Draft
Citizens First (CF) President Harry Kalaba has strongly condemned President Hakainde Hichilema, accusing him of bypassing Zambians in drafting a new constitution.
Kalaba described the move as dictatorial, warning that it could destabilize the country. He called on Hichilema and his Cabinet to discard the draft immediately, arguing that no broad consultations had taken place.
“Zambia has a Parliament representing over 20 million citizens, yet it has not been consulted. The Church and civil society have also been sidelined,” Kalaba said.
He accused Hichilema of attempting to manipulate the Constitution for political gain ahead of the next elections, likening his actions to a “drowning man clutching at straws.”
Kalaba urged the President to focus on governance issues such as poverty, mealie meal, and fuel prices, rather than constitutional changes. He also warned against threats towards those planning to protest against the amendments, insisting that dictatorship will not be tolerated.
“This is our Constitution, not a party manifesto. And you are a President, not a King,” Kalaba declared.
He vowed that any constitutional changes must be done legally and transparently after elections, not through what he termed as a “mafia-style amendment.”
“It’s game over, Mr. Hichilema,” Kalaba concluded.