By Mwansa Kaumba
Late ex-minister Mutotwe Kafwaya’s wife Dinia and his pastor, Bishop Harrison Sakala have said Kafwaya did not deserve to die with a label – in apparent reference to the ‘militia’ accusations by President Hakainde Hichilema and the government.
And former Republican vice-president Inonge Wina said Kafwaya believed in the tenets of fundamental freedoms enshrined in the constitution, and died in defence of democracy “and this Zambians should not forget.”
And one of the leaders at Tabernacle of David Church where Kafwaya’s farewell service was held and where he used to congregate, elder Chizombe said Kafwaya served God and was 100 percent sure he had been welcomed by Jesus Christ said Hon Kafwaya served God and I am 100 percent sure that he was welcomed by Jesus Christ in the Kingdom of God.
During a solemn assembly that was characterised by music by the Church’s praise team and moving tributes, every one who spoke paid tribute to late Kafwaya’s peaceful nature and love for God.
Giving her own tribute of her late husband, which was read on her behalf by her sister, Kafwaya’s wife, Dinia Ng’andu Kafwaya, said her husband lived his life with the fear for God.
”From your dear wife Dinis Kafwaya, Mrs Kafwaya, or bana Mubanga as you called me. I can’t believe that today I have to sit and write a tribute to you. This is just too hard for me because it has come when I least expect it. In short I have been ambushed. I am deeply wounded, torn apart, hurt and broken. I have never felt like this in my entire life. I still feel it’s a dream or another sad story, not real. How will I be strong for our children? I pray the Lord in heaven heals me with time. Husband of my youth I prayed and fasted for me to have you, my special gift from God. You have been taken in such a cruel manner just like that. You loved me and your children. We were your first priority. You were understanding, full of respect and with a great sense of humour. Love is you, peace is you. Genuineness is you. Gentleness is you. Truth is you. Purity is you. Honesty is you, and list goes on. I have never met such a unique soul like you in my entire life. Truly I have been robbed. You feared your God in heaven, carrying out your duties diligently. A man of noble character. Mutotwe Kafwaya, you were a blessing to your children, including people around us,” said Dinia. “You were my counselor, my pillar, my lawyer, my consultant, my answer and my number one. You did not deserve such a cruel label and death because you lived your life with the fear of God. Our children and I will greatly miss you. Go well my husband. Till we meet again my sweetheart. Love you!”
Bishop Sakala, who also gave his own affectionate account of Kafwaya, the personal he said he knew on a very personal level, agreed with Dinia.
”The wife in her tribute said ‘you did not deserve to go with the label’, and certainly I agree with that. Not that label. Not a son I knew. No, I refuse,” said Bishop Sakala.
And Wina said Kafwaya was aman who served this country with diligence.
”He came to parliament as a useful representative for the people of Lunte and quickly demonstrate his intellectual and leadership qualities and elevated to the position of minister,” she said.
She said she found Kafwaya to be a fine debater who articulated issues with clarity and confidence and courage.
She said Kafwaya called a spade a spade and whenever he went overboard with his submissions he would say ‘I am sorry’, a sign she said symbolised his humility and sensitivity.
Wina said Kafwaya believed in the tenets of fundamental freedoms enshrined in the country’s constitution.
”He died in defence of democracy and this Zambians should not forget. He died in defence of good governance, justice and fairness. And fairness for all Zambians,” Wina said.
She said Kafwaya’s beliefs resonated well with the founding fathers of this nation, of which she was a part of as a member and a young activist.
”He never referred to me as Your Honour the vice-president. He always said ba mayo, my mother. And indeed I have lost a son. I will miss you my son. Farewell my son. And May Your Soul Rest,” said Wina. “Be strong for your children. You are now the mother and the father to the Kafwaya family. I say thank you for giving us a man of the stature of Mutotwe Kafwaya. He shall be missed by many, not only here at the Church but among the many friends he made in his political life and in his social life. May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.”
Elder Chizombe said he was 100 percent sure that Kafwaya was welcomed by Jesus Christ
He said like Stephen was stoned for Jesus in the Bible, yet in heaven Jesus and the angels stood for him, “that I can say with certainty.”
Kafwaya’s siblings said their brother was a treasured possession who lived a peaceful life.
”Today he’s gone and leaves a gap and that gap can never be bridged by anyone or anything,” they said.
They said Kafwaya loved all and was simply a good person.
”He was humble and harmless. No matter where he went and who he met, he remained the same Kafwaya who we knew. This Kafwaya could even a snake … even to kill a spider he couldn’t. We will miss our brother,” the siblings said.
They said they would miss his smile and his presence, saying his light had been taken away from them far too soon.
The deceased’s adopted daughter, Ishuko Victoria Kafwaya said her late father made her believe that there are good people in the world.
She said Kafwaya gave her the best education.
She said he was a good husband to their mother.
Mubanga Kafwaya, the deceased’s first born thanked everyone for standing with them during this very difficult time. He said losing his father was one of the hardest things he had ever experienced.
”My dad wasn’t a perfect man, no one is. But to me he was my guide, my role model and one of my greatest teachers,” said Mubanga.
He promised to carry on the torch from where the father had left off.
Credit picture: Smart Eagles
