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TikTok content creator, Francis Kapwepwe, popularly known as Why Me, has been sentenced to two years imprisonment with hard labour after pleading guilty to two counts of hate speech before the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court.
Principal Resident Magistrate, Nsunge Chanda, sentenced Kapwepwe to two years on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently from June 2, 2025, the date of his arrest.
In mitigation, Kapwepwe asked the court for leniency and publicly apologised to President Hakainde Hichilema, saying he had come to realise that the Head of State “has a good heart.” He also extended apologies to Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Chief Mukuni, Tonga-speaking people, and all Zambians for his remarks.
He further cited health challenges and family responsibilities, including caring for his grandmother, as grounds for mercy.
Read More: TikToker ‘Why Me’ convicted of hate speech in Lusaka Court
In delivering judgment, the magistrate said Kapwepwe’s remarks were serious and dangerous, warning that they had the potential to fuel division and hostility in the country.
She emphasised that Zambia was a multi-tribal nation whose peace and coexistence must be protected at all times, stressing that the statements introduced harmful ethnic undertones into national debate.
The court noted that the comments were made at a sensitive political time ahead of the 2026 general elections, adding that irresponsible speech could easily heighten tension and disturb the country’s long-standing peace.
The magistrate further observed that hate speech had become increasingly common, particularly on social media, and said courts had a duty to shield the public from divisive and inflammatory content.
She warned that the justice system would not sit idle while individuals used online platforms to spread statements capable of causing alarm or disturbing public order.
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