Katele Kalumba Set to Face Trial Over Alleged Facebook Posts

Former Zambian finance minister Katele Kalumba is expected back in the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court as proceedings begin in a case accusing him of seditious practices, according to the report. The 74-year-old is charged over statements allegedly published on Facebook between August 1 and 13, 2026, ahead of the country’s general election. Prosecutors allege that Kalumba accused President Hakainde Hichilema of responsibility for abductions, deaths and other acts. The charge also concerns an alleged warning that a rigged election could spark an uprising involving women, young people and children. The claims are brought under sections of Zambia’s Penal Code covering seditious practices. At an earlier appearance before Resident Magistrate Webster Milumbe, Kalumba said he understood the charge and denied it. He explained that his remarks were intended as advice to the president to respect the Constitution and protect the right to life. Kalumba said he meant no harm and was not advocating election rigging, which he argued could lead to instability. He also maintained that, although he made the statement, he had not posted it on his own Facebook page. The court recorded a not-guilty plea and scheduled the case for trial. Kalumba’s defence also sought bail, saying he had a fixed home, was not a flight risk and needed access to medical care outside prison because of his health. Magistrate Milumbe granted bail of K100,000 on Kalumba’s own recognisance, with two Lusaka-based sureties required to provide guarantees for the same amount. The case is now due to return to court for the start of trial, where the allegations and Kalumba’s response are expected to be considered.