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Controversial TikTok personality, Francis Kapwepwe, popularly known as Why Me, will remain in custody as he awaits trial after the court ruled that he is a flight risk — despite the offences he faces being bailable.
Principal Resident Magistrate, Idah Phiri, said Kapwepwe had previously fled the country and was only brought back with the help of Interpol, demonstrating that he could abscond again if released.
This marks the second time Kapwepwe has been denied bail, following an earlier ruling by Senior Resident Magistrate Peter Mungula, who also found him unfit for release.
Read more: Blogger, Why Me’s hate speech case reassigned as defence challenges jurisdiction
“Having considered the affidavits and submissions from both sides, the evidence before court shows that the accused committed the offence shortly after being released from custody,” said Magistrate Phiri.
“Law enforcement officers had to seek Interpol’s assistance to apprehend him outside the country, which underscores his propensity to abscond, she added.
Kapwepwe had claimed that he fled Zambia due to alleged political threats from ruling UPND cadres, but the court found no evidence to support those claims. Magistrate Phiri further described his explanation of unlawful abduction as “unsatisfying,” noting there was no proof that he travelled legally to Zimbabwe or Malawi.
The court also questioned his claim of having a fixed residence, citing inconsistencies in the addresses he provided.
“The address given in this application differs from the one on record, and there was no explanation. I therefore find that the assertion of fixed abode remains unsubstantiated,” Magistrate Phiri ruled.
She held that the prosecution had successfully shown that Kapwepwe failed to provide credible proof of permanent residence and was unlikely to submit himself to the authority of the court, leading to the dismissal of his bail application.
Court records indicate that Kapwepwe faces three charges linked to his TikTok broadcasts made between March and April 2025.
He is accused of insulting Vice President Mutale Nalumango and members of the Tonga community, alleging that President Hakainde Hichilema planned to install Chief Mukuni as king and calling for Southern Province’s secession from Zambia.
He also faces a third charge of using obscene and derogatory language against the Tonga people.
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