By Chinoyi Chipulu
here was commotion yesterday at the burial of FDD leader Edith Nawakwi when a group of UPND cadres started marching around the Leopards Hill Memorial Park while chanting party slogans.
And Vice-President Mutale Nalumango was booed at Nawakwi’s burial as she was laying her wreaths.
The cadres dressed in party regalia were seen chanting slogans after noticing the presence of PF choir singing as they were waiting for the body of Nawakwi to arrive at her final resting place.
Some senior government officials were seen instructing party officials to control the caders who were matching and chanting party slogans.
“We don’t want confusion, control them,” one of the government officials was heard saying.
The cadres complained that the PF cadres were insulting them.
“Ni ulya mayo uwachambafye ukutukana insele, elo ninshi twalichulile mubuteko bwabo (It’s that woman who started insulting),” one was heard saying.
Another cader wondered why the PF choir were allowed to sing at the funeral.
“They were saying we should not participate, this is not our funeral but why have they been allowed to sing?” he asked.
The cadres were addressed by one of their fellow members who calmed them and advised them to maintain peace as this was not their funeral.
“Let’s us just be peaceful and mourn because our President does not like confusion. You heard what he said at the Church service that we should unite,” he said.
After Vice-President Mutale Nalumango arrived at the burial site, with other government officials and leaders of various political parties, the programme was going on well until she was called to pay her last respect. But as she stood up walked over to lay her flowers, the mourners booed her while chanting, ‘shame! Shame!’
The chants went on as Nalumango layed her wreath, until she went back to her seat.
The mourners also booed other government officials who went to lay wreaths at Nawakwi’s final resting place.
Speaking earlier, during the funeral service, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross President Hakainde Hichilema said Nawakwi contributed greatly to the country.
The President said he interacted with Nawakwi while in opposition and they once worked together in the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
And Citizens First leader Harry Kalaba said Nawakwi spoke truth to power and was a courageous woman.
He said she championed the good cause for the country.
“And without doubt, Zambia is better off with people like Nawakwi, so we will miss her deeply,” he said.
Kalaba encouraged the family to remain united during the difficult time.
MMD spokesperson Brendel Philips said Nawakwi spent her life working for the good of the people.
“She was a vibrant politician who was never afraid to speak her mind, she’s an excellent role model for the girl child,” said Philips.
