Home - Politics - Nyasulu writes SDA over “elder” Hichilema
By Mwansa Kaumba
Lusaka businessman Victor Nyasulu has written the Seventh Day leadership about the conduct of President Hakainde Hichilema, if established upon proper examination, satisfies the biblical standard of a Christian elder who must be “above reproach,” “blameless,” just, merciful, humble and faithful.
In a public letter to the Seventh Day leadership where the President is an elder, Nyasulu stated that the issues he was raising were not about political allegiance but about Christian integrity.
"I write not as a political partisan, but as a concerned Christian (church member at the African Methodist Episcopal Church) and citizen who believes that the Church has a solemn responsibility to uphold biblical standards of truth, justice, mercy, humility, integrity and accountability, particularly where the conduct of one of its prominent members has implications for the moral witness of the Church and the nation," Nyasulu stated. "It is my understanding that Mr Hakainde Hichilema is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church-SDA and has had a longstanding association with the Church. At the same time, he is President of the Republic of Zambia and therefore exercises constitutional authority on behalf of the entire nation."
He stated that he fully recognised that in exercising presidential functions, President Hichilema acts as Head of State and government and not as a representative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
"However, Christian faith and character cannot simply be suspended when a Christian assumes public office. The New Testament sets a high standard for Christian leadership, 'An overseer, then, must be above reproach…'" Nyasulu stated. "1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6–9 similarly requires an elder to be BLAMELESS, self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. And Micah 6:8 gives God’s people the enduring standard: 'To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.'It is against these standards that I respectfully request the Church to consider the following six matters."
Nyasulu stated that he was deeply concerned about the death of ex-Transport minister Mutotwe Kafwaya in circumstances reportedly arising from a security operation on August 14, 2026.
"The circumstances surrounding his death raise serious questions concerning operational competence, proportionality, the use of force, accountability and respect for the sanctity of human life. Of particular concern is the allegation that the security operation was poorly executed and resulted in the death of a former Cabinet Minister and citizen of the Republic," Nyasulu stated. "Equally disturbing was what appeared to many members of the public to be the initially casual or dismissive official denial of his death, despite growing reports and public concern concerning what had occurred. I recognise that the precise circumstances surrounding Mr Kafwaya’s death require proper investigation and that conclusions concerning responsibility should not be reached before all relevant facts have been independently established."
He stated that, where a citizen died during a State security operation, the matter raised profound Christian and constitutional questions.
"The State possesses extraordinary coercive powers. Those powers must therefore be exercised with the greatest restraint, professionalism and accountability," Nyasulu stated. "Scripture teaches: 'What does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.' Micah 6:8.I therefore respectfully ask the Church to consider whether, if the reported circumstances are substantiated, the conduct of those exercising authority under the President’s administration was consistent with these fundamental Christian obligations."
Nyasulu further asked whether the President, as Head of State and Commander-In-Chief, demonstrated appropriate pastoral concern, transparency, compassion and accountability following the death of a citizen in a State security operation.
"The subsequent handling of the matter is also important. If a citizen’s death is initially denied or treated casually and the truth subsequently emerges, public confidence in government and its institutions is inevitably damaged. The biblical command is clear: 'Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbour," Nyasulu stated. "Ephesians 4:25 I therefore respectfully request that the Church encourage a full, independent and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Kafwaya’s death, including the planning and execution of the operation, the use of force, the chain of command, the circumstances of the shooting, subsequent official communications and the conduct of all persons involved. This is not a demand for a predetermined conclusion against the President or any individual. It is a call for truth, justice, accountability and respect for human life.
The rest from the letter is contained here below: 2. THE ALLEGED DENIAL OF ACCESS TO THE SUPERIOR COURTS DURING A TIME-SENSITIVE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION PETITION I am deeply concerned by the circumstances in which armed State security forces were reportedly deployed in a manner that prevented or impeded access to the superior courts of Zambia at a critical time when a presidential election petition was required to be lodged within a constitutionally prescribed and extremely time-sensitive period.
If the President, as Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief, exercised authority over or permitted circumstances that had the effect of preventing citizens from accessing the courts to vindicate constitutional rights, this raises profound questions concerning justice, constitutionalism and humility before the law.
The courts must remain accessible to citizens, especially when constitutional rights and electoral disputes are at stake.
Such conduct would sit uneasily with Isaiah 1:17:
“Learn to do right; seek justice.”
I therefore respectfully ask the Church to establish the facts and consider whether the conduct associated with this incident was compatible with the standards expected of a Christian leader.
3. THE ALLEGED USE OF THE ARMED FORCES IN THE ELECTORAL COUNTING PROCESS I am further concerned about the circumstances surrounding the deployment of the Zambia Defence Force during the electoral process, particularly allegations that the military was used to effect or facilitate a stoppage in the counting of votes. This is particularly serious because the Electoral Commission of Zambia is a constitutionally established institution entrusted with conducting elections.
The President, as Head of the Executive, has a special responsibility to respect the independence and integrity of constitutional institutions.
Where military force or authority is perceived to interfere with the electoral process, public confidence in the credibility of an election can be seriously undermined.
Our Lord Jesus Christ taught:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” Matthew 20:26**
The question for the Church is therefore whether the circumstances surrounding the military’s involvement in the electoral process were consistent with Christian servant leadership, constitutionalism, restraint and respect for justice.
4. THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE OFFICE OF AUDITOR GENERAL I am also concerned about the prolonged controversy surrounding the continued tenure of the Auditor General, an office fundamental to public accountability.
My concern is not merely about the individual who occupied the office. It concerns the integrity of one of the Republic’s principal constitutional accountability institutions.
If, as has been judicially determined or otherwise authoritatively established, the incumbent was constitutionally unsuitable or unfit to continue occupying that office, then serious questions arise concerning why the situation was allowed to persist for such an extended period.
For a Christian leader, accountability should not be regarded as an inconvenience but as a moral obligation. Scripture teaches:
“It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2**
I therefore ask the Church to consider whether the President’s handling of this matter reflected the Christian virtues of truthfulness, accountability, justice and faithful stewardship.
5. THE PROLONGED CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING THE BURIAL OF THE LATE PRESIDENT EDGAR CHAGWA LUNGU I am particularly troubled by the manner in which the burial of Zambia’s Sixth President, the late Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, became a prolonged national controversy.
Whatever political differences existed between President Hichilema and the late President Lungu, death should provide an opportunity for reconciliation, dignity, compassion and national healing.
The prolonged dispute surrounding the burial arrangements caused additional distress to the widow and family and, in my view, deepened divisions within an already polarised nation.
Scripture teaches:
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Romans 12:15 And: “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7
I therefore respectfully ask whether the President’s conduct in this matter reflected the Christian virtues of mercy, reconciliation, compassion and respect for the dignity of the deceased and the bereaved family.
6. THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING BILL NO. 7 OF 2025 Finally, I raise serious concern regarding the manner in which the Government pursued Constitution of Zambia (Amendment) Bill No. 7 of 2025.
The proposed legislation involved significant changes to Zambia’s constitutional and electoral architecture. My concern is not that constitutional amendment is inherently wrong. The Constitution itself provides mechanisms for its amendment.
The concern is whether the manner in which such fundamental constitutional changes were pursued reflected constitutional humility, broad consultation, transparency, national consensus and respect for the sovereignty of the people.
The controversy surrounding Bill 7, including constitutional litigation over the process leading to its presentation to Parliament, demonstrated the seriousness of these concerns.
The subsequent enactment of constitutional amendments does not necessarily eliminate the moral and constitutional questions surrounding the manner in which the process was conducted.
For Christians, the end does not automatically justify the means. The pursuit of legitimate governmental objectives must itself be conducted through just, transparent and lawful means.
I therefore respectfully ask the Church to consider whether the President’s conduct surrounding the constitutional amendment process reflected the biblical virtues of truth, humility, consultation, justice and respect for the rule of law.
THE CENTRAL ECCLESIASTICAL QUESTION Brethren, I appreciate that each of these matters may be disputed, explained or interpreted differently.
I am therefore not asking the Church to accept my conclusions as established facts. Rather, I am asking the Church to examine the matters honestly and prayerfully.
Taken individually, each matter may be capable of explanation. Taken together, however, they raise a serious question of Christian character and witness. That question is:
Does the conduct attributed to President Hakainde Hichilema, if established upon proper examination, satisfy the biblical standard of a Christian elder who must be “above reproach,” “blameless,” just, merciful, humble and faithful?
This is ultimately not a question about political allegiance. It is a question about Christian integrity.
THE CHURCH MUST SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER I am not asking the Seventh-day Adventist Church to become a political party. Nor am I asking it to endorse or oppose any political candidate. Neither am I asking the Church to substitute itself for the courts, Parliament, the Electoral Commission or any other constitutionally established institution.
I am asking the Church to exercise its prophetic and pastoral responsibility. The Bible provides numerous examples of God’s servants speaking truth to those in power.
Nathan confronted King David. John the Baptist confronted Herod. Paul confronted Peter.
The Church therefore must never become so closely associated with political power that it loses the moral courage to speak truth to power. Political office does not place a Christian beyond Christian accountability.
Indeed, the greater the authority entrusted to a person, the greater the responsibility to exercise that authority in accordance with righteousness.
MY REQUEST TO THE ZAMBIA UNION CONFERENCE I therefore respectfully request that the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Zambia:
1. Receive this letter as a formal ecclesiastical complaint and request for pastoral review; 2. Examine the six matters raised above, without partisan prejudice and without assuming either guilt or innocence; 3. Where necessary, seek clarification from President Hichilema and/or the relevant State institutions concerning the matters raised; 4. Consider whether the conduct established by the evidence is consistent with the biblical qualifications for Christian leadership contained particularly in 1 Timothy 3:1–7 and Titus 1:5–9; 5. Where appropriate, provide pastoral counsel, admonition and correction to President Hichilema; 6. Apply the Church’s own constitutional and disciplinary processes without fear or favour, should the facts warrant such action; 7. Make clear that political office, wealth, influence or prominence does not exempt a member from the moral requirements of Christian discipleship; and 8. Encourage all SDA members holding public office to remember that they are first and foremost servants of God and stewards of authority, accountable ultimately to Him.
A MATTER OF CHRISTIAN WITNESS I submit this complaint with respect, but also with conviction.
The Church’s credibility is not demonstrated by how effectively it protects its members from criticism.
Rather, its credibility is demonstrated by its willingness to tell its own members the truth when truth is difficult, costly or politically inconvenient.
If a Christian businessman, pastor, elder or ordinary church member were credibly accused of conduct inconsistent with biblical standards, the Church would reasonably be expected to counsel, admonish and, where necessary, apply its disciplinary procedures.
Surely political power should not place a Christian member beyond the reach of Christian accountability.
The words of Galatians 6:1 are instructive:
“Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”
Accordingly, my appeal is not for condemnation but for truth and restoration; not for political persecution but for Christian accountability; not for partisan judgment but for righteous discernment.
If the allegations are unfounded, let the truth establish that.
If they are partly founded, let the Church provide appropriate pastoral correction.
And if the evidence establishes conduct fundamentally inconsistent with the biblical requirements of Christian leadership, then let the Church have the courage to act according to its own principles and procedures.
For ultimately:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
President Hichilema is accountable to the Constitution and laws of Zambia as President, but like every Christian, he is also accountable before God.
I therefore respectfully urge the highest ecclesiastical leadership of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Zambia to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves—not as a partisan political complaint, but as a matter concerning Christian character, ecclesiastical accountability, constitutional morality, public leadership and the witness of the Church in Zambia.
May the Church have the courage to speak truth, pursue justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God, irrespective of who occupies State House.
Yours faithfully,
Comm. VPM NYASULU Zambian Concerned Christian & Citizen +260 770046997
