Kabimba’s appointment confirmed

Secretary to the Cabinet, Ronald Msiska has confirmed that President Michael Sata did appoint Justice Minister, Wynter Kabimba as acting President.

This is contrary to public speculation in which the formal transfer of the instruments of power is being questioned.

Dr Msiska says Mr. Kabimba’s appointment as Acting President was published in Gazette Notice Number 385 of 2014 dated June 27, 2014.

He has told ZNBC in a statement that before his departure for Israel, President Sata signed the instrument of delegation of the function of President on June 20, 2014 and that the appointment complied with the law in all respects.

Some opposition leaders have questioned the appointment of Mr. Kabimba as acting President among them, People’s Party president Mike Mulongoti who warned that it was treasonable for anyone to take over power without authority.

And the opposition UPND says government should be truthful about President Sata’s health and whereabouts because continued speculation will erode confidence and hurt the economy.

UPND Vice President Canicius Banda says truthful answers from government would put the matter to rest and speculation would come to end.

In a statement to ZNBC news in Lusaka on Tuedsay, Dr. Banda said in a functional democracy, citizens, at any given time, know what their leaders are doing, how and where they are.

On Wednesday, last week Vice President Guy Scott said the press statement issued by the acting minister of information Mwansa Kapeya confirms that President Sata is in Israel for a working holiday.

Dr Scott said the Israeli President is aware of President Sata’s presence in Israel and may in due course meet him when it is convenient for both presidents.

Dr Scott said this when he presented a ministerial statement in parliament following a point of order raised previously by Monze Central UPND Member of Parliament, Jack Mwiimbu, on the president’s trip to Israel.

ZNBC