Francis Kapwepwe, widely known by the moniker “Why Me,” has been sentenced to 12 months imprisonment with hard labor on two counts of hate speech and inciting tribal hatred. The sentencing, handed down by Livingstone Magistrate Thabita Mulenga-Muleya, marks a significant moment in Zambia’s ongoing efforts to address divisive rhetoric and promote social cohesion.
Kapwepwe was arrested and charged after allegedly making statements that expressed hatred toward individuals based on their tribe, a violation of Zambia’s laws aimed at curbing hate speech and tribal discrimination. In her ruling, Magistrate Mulenga-Muleya emphasized the seriousness of the offenses, stating that such actions undermine national unity and social harmony.
The two sentences will run concurrently, meaning Kapwepwe will serve a total of 12 months in prison from the date of his arrest.
Following the verdict, Kapwepwe’s legal representative, Anthony Bwalya of KBF and Partners, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision. In an interview with journalists, Bwalya commended the judicial process for its fairness and independence.
“We are happy with the judgment and proud to have provided legal representation in a case that was handled without political influence,” Bwalya said. “This demonstrates the integrity of our judicial system and its commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
The case has sparked widespread debate in Zambia, where tribal tensions and hate speech remain sensitive issues. Legal experts and civil society organizations have welcomed the ruling as a step toward deterring divisive rhetoric and promoting accountability.
Magistrate Mulenga-Muleya’s decision underscores the judiciary’s role in addressing actions that threaten national unity, particularly in a country that prides itself on its motto, “One Zambia, One Nation.”
As Kapwepwe begins his sentence, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering dialogue and understanding in a diverse society, while holding individuals accountable for actions that fuel division and hatred.
Don’t touch my anointed ones.
The only tribal hate speech Zambia is in is by mentioning the Southerners! When the North is attacked, it is child’s play and never hate speech. Are they not the ones who propagated it by even using ChishimbaK? Some regional people are really endangered spices.
Thank you. Zambians are watching these and such like jail sentences with keen eyes.
WHAT was actually said ??? I am lost here
I doubt Even the reported story. The accused lawyer agreeing with everything the Magistrate said??
You risk being hunted down and arrested if you repeat what he said here
He hates other tribes and it is reason enough to give him 1 year behind bars. ChishimbaKambwili got 3 years, same offence, but incited by the victims’ group.
And no one is ready to tell us what Kapwepwe said and did.
Zambians take note In 60 years of independence we have never heard of such a charge. Why only now?
Why not? Now? It has to happen now. Who is in power? It is UPND. To who has it happened? Why not. Tomorrow it will be me; the other day, you. Zambia Forward. Kumbele!
Please ready history.. During KK’s tenure there was One Zambia One nation uniting 73 tribes.
When multiparty take roots, politician are trying to compete by discriminating other tribes to disadvantage the candidate from that tribe. This has worked BUT now .. people are seeing division and marginalisation hence minting a jail sentence will deter those trying to gain political mileage through tribalism… Inhere I am fighting RACISM
Let’s not talk about the 60’s
It was pure and simple a dictatorship Cloaked unity only
Unlike cementing cohesion, the country is more palarised rhan ever. What do we expect from under fivers?
The tongas say bad things against other tribes and they are not sent to jail or even warned. This is selective justice and we have been speaking against it for some time. If I publicly said what I am saying now, this would be called hate speech.
This reporting leaves much to be desired. He was convicted and sentenced to 12 months indeed. But he was released the same day as he has already spent 12months in pretrial detention.
You are welcome.
Interesting Justice system: jailed first, sentenced with a backdating and … umm … back to society. I will study this for a while to make some sense of it.
What a load of pretenders on LT comments section. Do yourself a favour, go on YouTube and watch how many times Tongas were mocked and insulted. Even the Late Kandy Krazy “ I would rather be a chicken than be a Tonga”. Many laughed, even myself a Tonga Man……kikiki.
Why me(Kapwepwe) is a comic. Sad that he had to serve time in the pen. But let’s be kind to one another, let’s not turn a blind eye if ‘one of ours’ does something to offend the other tribes.