ARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA, THE LAW AND THE QUESTION OF PERSECUTION ✍️. Ethan John Nchenje Truth Without Fear @TWF We have learned that the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has once again summoned #Archbishop #Dr #Alick #Banda, Archbishop of Lusaka, to appear for questioning as investigations continue. The renewed summons comes against the background of an earlier […]

ARCHBISHOP ALICK BANDA, THE LAW AND THE QUESTION OF PERSECUTION

✍️. Ethan John Nchenje

Truth Without Fear @TWF

We have learned that the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has once again summoned #Archbishop #Dr #Alick #Banda, Archbishop of Lusaka, to appear for questioning as investigations continue. The renewed summons comes against the background of an earlier investigation concerning a Toyota Hilux associated with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA). In January 2026, the DEC said Archbishop Banda was being investigated over the alleged unlawful acquisition or possession of the vehicle, which the Commission said had been irregularly obtained from ZRA. Archbishop Banda was warned and cautioned and chose to remain silent during questioning.

It is therefore important to clarify the allegation: this is not simply an allegation that he “stole a vehicle.” The authorities have described the matter as an investigation into the alleged unlawful or irregular acquisition/possession of a motor vehicle that they say was ZRA property. The allegation remains an allegation unless and until established through the appropriate legal process.

This brings us to two important political and constitutional questions:

Does investigating a senior clergyman amount to persecuting the entire Church? And is the renewed investigation a legitimate law-enforcement process or a political witch-hunt by those in authority?

My position is that the two issues must be separated.

Investigating an individual even a senior Archbishop does not automatically amount to persecuting the #Catholic #Church. A church institution and an individual citizen are not the same thing. Religious status should not place anyone above the law, just as political connections, wealth, public office or social standing should not place anyone above the law

At the same time, the opposite principle must also apply: nobody should be subjected to selective or politically motivated law enforcement simply because they have criticised those in power.

The #DEC itself has previously stated that it has the legal authority to summon individuals regardless of their standing in society, while rejecting claims that Archbishop Banda’s earlier summons was politically motivated.

Therefore, government and its law-enforcement institutions have a responsibility to demonstrate that this matter is being handled professionally, impartially and according to due process. If there is a genuine case to answer, let the investigation proceed. If there is evidence, let the evidence speak. If there is no case, let the matter be concluded accordingly.

What should concern every Zambian is not whether the person under investigation is a Catholic Archbishop, opposition politician, government official or ordinary citizen. What should concern us is whether the law is being applied equally.

And equally important, criticism of government should not automatically make someone immune from investigation. But neither should criticism of government make someone a convenient target for the machinery of the State.

Justice must be blind to political affiliation, religious position and social status.

If Archbishop Banda has a case to answer, he should answer it through the established legal process. If the authorities are exercising their powers lawfully, they should be allowed to do their work without political interference. But if there is evidence that the process is being manipulated for political purposes, then that too must be subjected to scrutiny.

Ultimately, the test should not be whether we support Archbishop Banda or the UPND government. The test should be whether the rule of law is being upheld. No one is above the law. But equally, no one should be beneath the protection of the law.

Ethan John Nchenje  is an advocate for good governance, passionate about God, justice and the future of Africa. President of High commissioners

nchenjeethan726@gmail.com
+27 783 790 801