Bread of Life Church International general overseer Bishop Joe Imakando’s church administration has refuted assertions on social media which have linked him to UPND party President Hakainde Hichilema.
In his homily of the church service held on Sunday and broadcast live on the church’s facebook page, bishop Imakando told congregants that they must use the August 12 elections to solve the many challenges the country was undergoing.
The renowned clergyman said the month of August should mark a new beginning for the country.
“Get ready. There is a shift that is coming. A shift that will bring a new season, “said Bishop Imakando.
“In the month of August, on the 12th day we are going to elect our president, our MPs, our mayors, our council chairpersons, our councilors. God is giving us the power to choose our leaders. And what we do on 12th August, will affect your future, it will affect your livelihood, it will affect your job, it will affect your business. It will affect your family.”
Bishop Imakando said the month of August was a game changer.
“Change is a constant thing, everything is subject to change. People change, fashions…change is all around us, “he said.
“As I have interacted people, I have heard people complaining that there are no medicines in hospitals and clinics. Some are complaining that their businesses have been affected because of the depreciation of the kwacha. Some are complaining. Others are complaining about violence and others are complaining about the mountain of debt. Something is wrong somewhere. There is need for change. We can’t go on like this. It is time to change what is not working.”
Since he made the statement, there have been sharp reactions from various figures, with some social media sites alleging that he is working with the opposition UPND party.
But in a statement issued by church representative Chris Maboshe on his facebook page, the church said Bishop Imakando is not holding any clandestine meetings with Hichilema.
He stated that the pictures that have been posted on social media, depicting the two in a meeting together were old pictures taken when Hichilema visited the church located in Emmasdale.
“We would like to refute information circulating on social media that he (bishop Imakando) has cut a deal with UPND president Hakahinde Hichilema, who is the presidential candidate of the UPND Alliance. Bishop Imakando did not hold any meeting with Mr Hichilema on July 30th 2021 as alleged in the caption of a picture in which he is shown standing alongside the UPND leader and pastor Kangwa Chileshe, a UPND member,” read the statement.
“The picture in question was taken on February 25th, 2018, in our church’s visitors’ lounge when Mr Hichilema and his encourage attended a Sunday service at the Blessing Centre in Emmasdale, Lusaka.”
Maboshe said the allegations that a secret meeting was held between the bishop and Hichilema were baseless and malicious.
