Katele Kalumba granted K100,000 bail over sedition charge

Former Finance Minister, Katele Kalumba, has been granted K100,000 bail in his own recognisance by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court after his lawyers cited his health condition and the need for medical attention outside prison.

Kalumba, 74, was granted bail after the State raised no objection to the application.

His lawyer, Henry Mulenga, told the court that his client had been in custody for about 20 days and required medical attention outside the correctional facility.

Mulenga said Kalumba was facing a bailable offence, had a fixed abode and was not a flight risk. He also assured the court that his client would comply with any conditions imposed, attend court whenever required and would not interfere with witnesses.

“Owing to his health condition, it will be in the interest of justice that the accused obtains medical care outside the facility he is incarcerated, so that when he appears before this court, he may be in a better fit and mental state to stand trial,” Mulenga said.

The court granted bail in the sum of K100,000, with two working sureties resident in Lusaka bound in like sums.

Kalumba, who is also a public health and behavioural scientist and traditional leader of Tambolola Palace in Chiengi, is charged with one count of seditious practices over remarks allegedly made on his Facebook page between August 1 and 13, 2026.

The State alleges that the remarks were directed at President Hakainde Hichilema.

When the charge was read to him, Kalumba initially admitted it but sought to explain that his intention was to counsel the President on respecting the Constitution, protecting life and preventing detentions and abductions without clear cause.

He cited the case of musicians in Mongu and said his remarks were also intended to caution against electoral malpractice, which he believed could lead to instability.

“I made it, but I did not post it on my Facebook page,” Kalumba told the court, referring to the statement forming the basis of the charge.

The court entered a plea of not guilty, paving the way for trial, which is scheduled to commence on November 10, 2026.

Kalumba remained in custody at press time pending fulfilment of the bail conditions.

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