Lungu family risks being charged for treason if it insists on excluding President Hichilema from burial rites —Nalumango

The UPND government has warned that it would be considered a treasonous offence for the family of late former President Edgar Lungu to suggest excluding President Hakainde Hichilema from presiding over the State funeral.

Vice-President Mutale Nalumango issued the warning yesterday during the Vice-President’s question and answer session in Parliament.

She was responding to a question from Matero Member of Parliament, Miles Sampa, on Friday who asked whether government would honour the alleged wish by the Lungu family that President Hichilema should not attend the funeral.

Nalumango said while government was ready to listen and respect the late former President’s wishes, it remained the constitutional duty of the sitting Head of State to lead the State Funeral.

“The death of a former president is a people’s funeral. President Hichilema has declared a State Funeral for his brother, and you want to exclude him from such a state function? It could be considered treasonous to hold a State funeral without the Head of State,” she stated.

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The Vice-President added that Lungu, who served as Zambia’s sixth president for seven years, deserved a dignified and united national send-off.

She further expressed concern over attempts to politicise the funeral, warning those allegedly using the occasion to gain political mileage.

“You, who are causing confusion will receive the punishment you deserve from God because this is painful,” Nalumango said.

She called for unity during the mourning period, adding that despite political differences, Lungu’s legacy and presence, whether in office or retirement, remained valuable to the nation.

“No one hated him. One who hates the dead is worse than the devil himself,” she added, urging Zambians to mourn the late former President with dignity, compassion, and national solidarity.

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