Mutotwe Kafwaya died in defense of democracy, this, Zambians should not forget,” Ex VP Inonge Wina

18 Views Former Vice President Inonge Wina has described the late former Minister of Transport and Communications, Mutotwe Kafwaya, as a man who died in defense of democracy, urging Zambians to remember his commitment to good governance and the rule of law. Wina paid tribute to Kafwaya during a funeral service held this Friday evening […]

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Former Vice President Inonge Wina has described the late former Minister of Transport and Communications, Mutotwe Kafwaya, as a man who died in defense of democracy, urging Zambians to remember his commitment to good governance and the rule of law.

Wina paid tribute to Kafwaya during a funeral service held this Friday evening at the Tabernacle of David Assembly Church in Lusaka.

The former Lunte Member of Parliament died on August 14, 2026, after being fatally shot during a joint intelligence-led security operation at the Kabulonga residence of New Heritage Party President Brian Mundubile.

“Honourable Kafwaya, died in defense of democracy. This, Zambians should not forget,” Wina told mourners.

She said Kafwaya stood firmly for principles that aligned with Zambia’s founding values.

“He believed in good governance, justice and fairness for all zambians, his beliefs resonated with the ideals of the country’s founding fathers.

“Kafwaya believed in the tenants of fundamental freedoms enshrined in the country’s Constitution,” she said.

The former VP, who served alongside Kafwaya in the Patriotic Front administration, spoke of him in personal terms.

“I have lost a son,” she said.

Wina described the late MP as hardworking, humble and just, qualities she said informed his appointment as Minister of Transport and Communications under the PF government.

She added that throughout his time in public service, he remained accessible to constituents and colleagues alike, and was known for speaking plainly about issues of governance.

The emotional service also featured remarks from Kafwaya’s widow Dinis Ng’andu, who expressed pain that her husband’s name had been dragged through controversy in the days following his death.

Pastor Harrison Sakala echoed her sentiments during his sermon.

“I agree with the wife when she says you did not deserve to die carrying such a label. Yes, not the Mutotwe Kafwaya I knew. Not the son I have known. Not the person whose life and character I came to know. I REFUSE.”

Police have said Kafwaya was shot during an operation targeting opposition leader Brian Mundubile’s property in Kabulonga on August 14. Details of the operation remain under investigation, but authorities have maintained it was intelligence-led.

Despite the circumstances of his death, Friday’s service drew a cross-section of political leaders who came to pay their respects.

Among those in attendance were New Heritage Party President Chishala Kateka, We Are One Zambia Alliance Secretary General Muhabi Lungu, and Economic Freedom Fighters President Kasonde Mwenda.

Their presence underscored Kafwaya’s reach across party lines, even as the country remains politically charged ahead of the September 1 presidential inauguration.

In a further sign of the sensitivities surrounding his passing, government had offered to accord Kafwaya a State Funeral. However, family members declined the offer. Arrangements are now in place for him to be buried in Lunte, his home village, where he first entered politics and served as area MP.

As the casket was prepared for transport to Northern Province, Wina closed her tribute by calling on Zambians to separate the man she knew from the political narratives that emerged after his death.

She urged citizens to uphold the constitutional freedoms Kafwaya championed, saying his legacy should be measured by his service, not by the manner of his death.

Image credit: TV Yatu