NHP, Kalaba condemn police for disrupting independence eve prayers, describe presidency reaction as inadequate

The New Heritage Party (NHP) has condemned the Police for blocking Christian worshippers from holding an Independence Day Eve overnight prayer vigil led by Apostle Sunday Sinyangwe and a visiting Nigerian preacher.

NHP Vice President for Administration, Samuel Kasankha, said the move reflected a deepening pattern of restrictions on freedoms under the ruling UPND government.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Kasankha said it was “not only worrisome but deeply offensive” that the Police were now showing blatant disregard for spiritual gatherings and houses of worship.

“While we appreciate the President’s regret over the incident, we must be candid: this is not an isolated case,” he said.

Kasankha cited previous incidents in which Police had disrupted Catholic meetings, saying this intolerance was now extending to other Christian congregations.

He described the growing hostility towards the faith community as “a dangerous sign of high-handedness born from a fear of the unknown.”

“Let it be made clear: while this government may continue to trample upon citizens’ rights with impunity, it cannot deceive or manipulate God,” he said.

Kasankha added that whether or not the Head of State issued direct instructions, the Police were acting within “a well-established pattern” under the UPND government.

He said for the past four years, the Police had routinely cited reasons such as failure to guarantee security to suppress gatherings—whether political, civic, or religious.

“Our constitutional right to freedom of assembly has effectively been suspended by the Inspector General of Police, Graphael Musamba, who appears to operate with the full protection and blessing of the current administration in blatantly violating the Constitution of Zambia, which guarantees citizens the right to assemble and worship freely,” he said.

Kasankha quoted Galatians 6:7 — “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” — warning that those interfering with worship “will surely, at the appointed time, reap the whirlwind.”

He further cited Isaiah 30:18, saying, “The Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him.”
Kasankha urged people of faith and conscience to remain steadfast, prayerful, and courageous, stating that “governments come and go, but truth and justice always prevail and outlast them.”

Meanwhile, Citizens First (CF) president Harry Kalaba said President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for investigations into the incident was “inadequate.”

“What was expected from a true leader was decisive action. The President should have suspended the officers involved pending the outcome of investigations,” Kalaba said.

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He described the statement from State House as “an afterthought and a desperate attempt to manage the public backlash that followed the shameful conduct of the Police.”
Kalaba added that the decision to block the prayers, especially on the eve of Independence Day, “goes against the very spirit of freedom and independence that our forefathers fought for.”

“By stopping these prayers, the Police denied citizens a moment of solace, reflection, and spiritual cushion amidst the hardships created by this government’s mismanagement of national affairs. Ironically, the very prayers they blocked could have contributed to easing the escalating political tension in the country,” Kalaba said.

In response, President Hakainde Hichilema has ordered an investigation into the cancellation of the Standing in the Gap prayers, clarifying that he had issued no directive to stop the event.

State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said the President “would never prevent Christians or any faith group from holding prayers, especially during this sacred period marking the 61st Independence Anniversary of our nation, or indeed any other period.”

Hamasaka said the President regretted the incident and directed that investigations be conducted to establish the facts and ensure accountability.

He described Hichilema as a devout Christian who holds his faith with utmost sincerity and reaffirmed government’s commitment to freedom of worship and peaceful coexistence.

“Zambia remains a nation of faith, anchored in love, mutual respect, and the enduring spirit of ‘One Zambia, One Nation,’” Hamasaka said.

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