Sata Family Defends Government saying it has the right to Organise & Hold Memorial Service
The family of late President Michael Chilufya Sata has broken their silence regarding recent criticism surrounding their stance on the Miles Sampa Convention issue and the upcoming 10th memorial service.
Senior Family Member Chanda Kasolo who is also former information Permanent Secretary says government has the right to organise the 10th Anniversary memorial. 
He says the family acknowledged the government’s right to organize the event, as per Cabinet Office protocol. The protocol mandates the government to organize memorial services for late presidents on the 1st anniversary and every five years thereafter.”We wish we could be left out of politics surrounding the anniversary,” the family stated. “Of all people, PF members should give us the privacy we need to mourn and remember our relative, Michael Chilufya Sata.” Stated kasolo. The statement comes after some PF members criticized the family for allowing government involvement in the memorial service.The family emphasized their decision to remain neutral in PF’s internal politics, citing the diverse opinions among family members.
They also noted that tackling the party’s challenges is the responsibility of its members, not the Sata family.”We chose to keep quiet because not all of the family are politicians, and different family members have their own minds and opinions,” the statement read. “We would have split the family by taking a position.” He saidThe family reiterated that President Sata created the Patriotic Front (PF) for all Zambians, not solely for his family. They emphasized their desire to remember their relative in a positive and Christian manner, free from politics.
