President Hakainde Hichilema has stated that the government does not promote gay rights in the country, as some segments of society assert. President Hichilema stated that he has been opposed to homosexuality from his days in the opposition, and that his opinion has never changed. He added that the government has been forthright and has never advocated for gay rights. Since then, President Hichilema has urged Zambians to stop focusing on unimportant matters and instead prioritize unity.

President Hichilema was addressing at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka at the church service for Rachael Kabesha, the wife of Attorney General Mulilo Kabesha. And President Hichilema has urged family unity as he describes Zambia as a Christian nation. The President stated that Reverend Kabesha’s life should inspire everyone to live a true life that affects many people. In his eulogy to his wife of over 30 years, Mr. Kabesha referred to her as his inspiration and thanked God for the opportunity to have shared his life with her.

Mr. Kabesha, who is also the Bishop of the Church of God, expressed gratitude to President Hichilema, the government, and all those who provided assistance to the family at the loss of his wife. And the deceased’s children, who were overcome with emotion as they eulogized their mother, hailed her as a beacon of serenity.

His latest stance against the LGBTQ community is likely going to rattle the west which has been on a crusade to promote the issue in Africa. Not long ago Malawi was at a cross road with the donors from the western country after it took a strong stance against LGBTQ people in what they called human rights violations. However Malawians stood strong and with the support of the outgoing Kenyan president , the European Union and the rest of western donors folded and allow the will of the people to prevail.