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The United Party for National Development (UPND) has strongly condemned former President Edgar Lungu’s recent remarks regarding the death of opposition leader Edith Nawakwi, calling them “irresponsible, misleading, and politically opportunistic.”
In a strongly worded press statement issued on April 7, 2025, UPND Secretary General Batuke Imenda accused Lungu of exploiting the late Nawakwi’s death for political mileage while ignoring her plight during her illness.
“It is regrettable that Mr. Lungu, while living outside the country under the guise of ill health and engaging in fundraising activities, has chosen to exploit the passing of Ms. Nawakwi to issue politically motivated and deceptive public statements,” the statement read.
The ruling party alleged that Nawakwi’s health began deteriorating during Lungu’s presidency, but that no tangible support was extended to her, despite the resources available at the time.
“Mr. Lungu and many of his associates, including members of the Tonse Alliance, made no effort to support Ms. Nawakwi during her time of need. She was abandoned even during the last electoral campaign by those who now pretend to mourn her,” Imenda stated.
The UPND further accused Lungu of shedding “crocodile tears” and attempting to rebrand himself as a compassionate leader, despite what they described as a track record of neglect and political manipulation.
In a sharp rebuke, the party said: “What we are now witnessing are crocodile tears, intended to score political points from a national tragedy.”
The UPND also alleged that the former president and his allies had continued to finance individuals who insult and destabilize the current government, while failing to provide assistance to a “fellow citizen battling for her life.”
Imenda urged Zambians to remain vigilant and reject what he called “false narratives designed to undermine the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema.”
“May the soul of Ms. Edith Nawakwi rest in eternal peace,” the statement stated.
However, despite UPND’s public expressions of sympathy, the late Nawakwi was, at the time of her death, facing multiple legal challenges.
She had been charged with abduction and threatening violence against Feluna and Milton Hatembo, in a case that drew national attention.
The State had recently applied to the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court to verify her health condition at her residence following repeated court absences, but the request was dismissed.
Magistrate Irene Wishimanga had earlier ruled that Nawakwi had a case to answer and placed her on her defence, with proceedings scheduled to begin on December 2, 2024.
She had also planned to call at least 75 witnesses in a separate case involving seditious practices.
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