This is according to his close ally Chanoda Ngwira.
Ngwira, who is also Spokesperson for the Kum'mawa Development Coalition, accused the current administration of failing to accord Lungu the dignity and freedom befitting a former head of state. “He never enjoyed his retirement. He couldn’t even jog freely on the streets of Lusaka,” Ngwira said. “His rights were stripped, and it took a toll on his health.”
Lungu, who died in a hospital in South Africa, had served as Zambia’s sixth president from 2015 to 2021. He rose to power following the death of President Michael Sata in 2014 and won the 2015 election. After losing the 2021 elections, he attempted a political comeback in 2023, but was blocked by the Constitutional Court, which ruled that he had already served two full terms.
Ngwira claimed the court's decision was politically influenced and contradicted an earlier ruling. “That ruling crushed his return to active politics and worsened the personal pressure he faced,” he said, adding that Lungu spent much of his post-Presidency escorting his wife and children to court proceedings.
Despite criticism of Lungu’s leadership, including Zambia’s 2020 sovereign debt default and accusations of authoritarian tendencies, Ngwira defended his legacy. “He led during difficult times, including COVID-19, and held the country together. Today’s economic hardships are a result of disrupting his development agenda,” he argued.
Ngwira also praised Lungu’s commitment to infrastructure and inclusive governance. “Wherever you go in Zambia, you’ll find a school, hospital, or road that bears his legacy,” he said. “He didn’t care about tribe, region or class, if you had the potential to serve, he gave you a chance.”
On the issue of political violence during Lungu’s administration, Ngwira said no ruling party is immune to misconduct by supporters but dismissed claims that Lungu directly encouraged it.
Preparations for Lungu’s funeral are currently under way. The Zambian government is expected to declare a period of national mourning, but Ngwira noted that the PF will hold a separate procession. “We are not going to mourn with those who mistreated him in life but now pretend to honour him in death,” he said.
Lungu is survived by his wife, Esther Lungu, and their children. Ngwira said the family is devastated. “This is a painful moment for them and for all of us who served under his leadership. We can only pray and honour his memory.”
--ChannelAfrica--
