Zambia President Lungu warns judges not to follow Kenya’s lead

LUSAKA — President Edgar Lungu has warned Zambia’s judges against blocking him from running in 2021 elections, saying a judicial intervention like that in Kenya could plunge the country into chaos.

Lungu is expected to contest the 2021 race, but may face a legal challenge from opposition parties which claim it would be unconstitutional as he has already served two terms – the maximum permitted by law.

“Don’t become a copycat and think that you are a hero if you plunge this country into chaos,” Lungu told supporters at an event in Solwezi, north west Zambia, that was broadcast on State radio late on Thursday.

“I want to close by saying that those people who don’t like peace and freedom will say ‘President Lungu is intimidating the courts of law’ – I am not intimidating the judiciary.

“I am just warning you because I have information that some of you want to be adventurous, your adventure should not plunge us into chaos please.”

— AFP