Stop attacking Khama -- Musoma

...says UPND defenders should introspect instead of attacking former Botswana president over his criticism of President Hakainde Hichilema By NATION REPORTER UPND cadres including State House communications specialist Clayson Hamasaka and former Vice-President Enock Kavindele have no moral right to attack former Botswana President Ian Khama over his criticism of President Hakainde Hichilema, Zambia Republican Party president Wright Musoma has said. Mr Musoma said ruling party members and sympathisers such as Mr Hamasaka and Mr Kavindele were paid to defend the government and therefore could not be regarded as credible voices for constructive criticism. "We feel ruling UPND members and sympathisers such as Clayson Hamasaka and former Vice President Enock Kavindele have no moral right to attack the former Botswana President because they are paid to defend the government at all costs, even when it is indefensible," he said. Mr Musoma was reacting to Mr Khama's description of President Hichilema as the "new dictator in Africa." He said instead of attacking the former Botswana leader, the government should introspect over concerns being raised about Zambia's democratic record. "They should let credible, independent people do constructive criticism, not political job-seekers and praise-singers," Mr Musoma said. He questioned whether Zambians and the international community were expected to remain silent over allegations of military involvement in the deaths of youths involved in small-scale mining and the killing of former Transport and Communications Minister Mutotwe Kafwaya during a security operation at the residence of opposition leader Brian Mundubile. Mr Musoma also questioned the closure of courts during the post-election period, alleging that soldiers had prevented aggrieved parties from challenging questionable election results. "When has Zambia ever seen the Judiciary sealed by the military?" he asked. He also accused UPND supporters of attacking opposition members before, during and after the elections, saying the alleged violence, intimidation and arrests should concern every Zambian. "Should everyone remain quiet? Does Kavindele and his team expect us to salute this lawlessness?" Mr Musoma asked. He also alleged that the media had been intimidated, opposition rallies restricted and citizens subjected to fear of abduction over social media posts. Mr Musoma said Mr Khama's criticism should prompt introspection rather than insults. "When a former head of State in SADC, who knows how State House operates, speaks, the normal reaction of a democratic Government is to introspect, not to insult," he said. "The UPND's angry reaction only confirms what the former President said," Mr Musoma said.

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