The word dilemma suitably describes the controversy surrounding Zambia’s sixth Republican President, Edgar Lungu’s funeral.
This morning, Zambians took to social media, questioning the authenticity of President Lungu’s death and demanding to see his death certificate.
The behavior of the Lungu family and their self-appointed spokesperson, lawyer Makebi Zulu, is particularly troubling, marked by changing goalposts and escalating demands. 
The current standoff between the family and the state is not only embarrassing to our nation before the international community but it does not reflect the spirit of One Zambia One Nation.
Who is influencing former president Edgar Lungu family to make unrealistic demands?
It must be known and made clear that according to the Zambian Constitution, a president or former who dies is accorded a state funeral and proceedings presided over by the incumbent.
How can you bar a sitting president from a state funeral? This idea barring President Hichilema from attending a state funeral is practically impossible.
State funerals are matters of national importance governed by established protocol, not private preference.
The standoff between the government and the Lungu family appears to be driven by a deliberate attempt to embarrass the government and tarnish the image of Zambia and its leader, Hakainde Hichilema.
Former Justice Minister Wynter Kabimba aptly observed that Makebi Zulu’s conduct does not reflect the wishes of the late former President.
We concur with allegations that certain individuals may be seeking to inject substantial funds into the country for political campaigns, fueling confusion and anarchy.
The actions of Makebi Zulu, Given Lubinda, and others constitute a serious offense, tantamount to treason, and warrant the strongest condemnation.
By their conduct, they have effectively usurped the powers and responsibilities reserved for the President, undermining the constitutional order.
On the other hand the South African Government must also own up and take charge by dealing with a fellow government and not individuals, who are mainly politicking and serving selfish interests.
What happened when Founding President Dr. David Kaunda died in 2021?
Some family members wanted his wishes to be fulfilled such as being buried next to his dear wife, as such some family members then proceeded to the courts to seek the court guidance.
Then High Court Judge W.G.K. Muma ruled that a former president’s funerals are a state funeral and no political party or family can takeover.
Judge Muma emphasized that a state funeral is a public ceremony, governed by strict protocol and intended to honor individuals of national significance. It must be carried through from beginning to end and cannot be altered mid-way to suit personal wishes.
Judge Muma added that given Dr. Kaunda’s stature as Zambia’s first and former president, the public interest outweighed personal or family preferences. His funeral is a matter of national significance.
The court upheld the continuation of the state funeral for Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, affirming that national protocol and public interest must be respected, even over the wishes of the family.
From this background clearly, we have lawyer who is ignoring laws and busy inciting family to cause chaos and anarchy. Makebi Zulu and Given Lubinda should be arrested.
