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Fresh concerns have been raised in Zambia over the health condition of former cabinet minister and senior Patriotic Front (PF) leader, Chishimba Kambwili, after he was suddenly moved from Milima Correctional Facility in Kasama to Lusaka under unclear circumstances.
Kambwili, who has been battling serious health problems while in prison, was earlier receiving medical treatment at Kasama General Hospital. His family and supporters had assumed that the late-night transfer was for urgent medical attention, possibly at Maina Soko Military Hospital or the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka.
However, to the surprise of many, the former minister was instead taken straight to the Lusaka Magistrate Court, where he appeared before a judge on fresh charges of unlawful assembly and threatening violence.
The new case is connected to an earlier incident where a group of young people staged a protest at Kambwili’s residence in Lusaka, expressing frustration over the rising cost of living in the country. Authorities claim that Kambwili not only supported the demonstration but also incited unlawful assembly and issued threats, leading to the charges.
Kambwili is currently serving a five-month prison sentence after his appeal was dismissed by the Kasama High Court. He had earlier been found guilty of making statements considered to promote tribal hate during a 2021 radio programme. The court ruled that his words were likely to cause division based on ethnic origin and region, which violated Zambia’s laws on hate speech and incitement.
The sentence was confirmed on July 14, 2025, and he was ordered to begin serving the jail term immediately.
His legal and medical troubles have now sparked political tension and public debate across the country. The Patriotic Front (PF) has expressed serious worry over the health of their member, describing the handling of his case as inhumane and politically motivated.
In a press statement, Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba, who serves as the PF Chairperson for Information and Media and is a Member of the Central Committee, pleaded with government officials to put aside politics and prioritise the life of the former minister.
“We appeal to authorities to prioritise Hon. Kambwili’s health, which is in a serious condition. He must urgently access specialised medical care,” Mwamba said.
He specifically called on the Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, and the Commissioner General of the Zambia Correctional Service, Frederick Chilukutu, to intervene immediately and ensure that Kambwili receives proper medical attention.
Mwamba warned that allowing Kambwili’s health to deteriorate while under government custody could raise serious human rights questions and would reflect poorly on the country’s justice and correctional system.
The PF has maintained that Kambwili’s imprisonment and current legal challenges are part of a broader crackdown on opposition voices. The party has alleged that since the 2021 general elections, opposition politicians have been targeted with multiple charges and arrests, especially those who openly criticise the government.
On social media, Zambians have expressed mixed reactions, with some showing sympathy for Kambwili’s medical condition while others argue that the law should take its course, regardless of one’s political standing.
Supporters of the former minister are now demanding transparency from the prison authorities and government on Kambwili’s current medical condition, his access to proper care, and the real reason behind his abrupt overnight movement.
At the moment, there has been no official medical update on his health, and it is not yet clear if he will be admitted to any medical facility or remain in correctional custody.
This latest development adds more pressure on the administration of President Hakainde Hichilema, which has pledged to uphold rule of law and human rights since taking over power in 2021.
As the legal and political drama continues to unfold, many in Zambia and the wider region will be watching to see how the government balances legal enforcement with humanitarian and ethical responsibilities, especially in cases involving high-profile prisoners with known health conditions.
