Anti-corruption police in Zambia arrested Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda on September 26 over a vehicle he allegedly received as a gift from late former President Edgar Lungu. Banda, the Catholic Archbishop of Lusaka since 2018, was a vocal supporter of the main opposition candidate in the August 13 presidential election. The election resulted in incumbent Hakainde Hichilema securing a second term in office.
The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) alleged that a Toyota Hilux in Banda's possession was "reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained from the Zambia Revenue Authority." The vehicle is believed to have been given to the archbishop by Lungu, Hichilema's predecessor and political rival. Banda denied any wrongdoing and was released on bail. He is scheduled to stand trial in November.
News of the arrest drew Catholics to Lusaka's largest cathedral, where congregants gathered to offer prayers in solidarity with their archbishop. The case is the latest in a series of arrests targeting opposition figures and government critics since the August election. Among those detained was the main opposition presidential candidate, Brian Mundubile, who came a distant second to Hichilema.
Mundubile initially sought refuge with an international organisation following a security force raid on his home the day after the vote. During the raid, a former cabinet minister was reportedly shot dead. Mundubile and his running mate, Makebi Zulu, now face treason charges, though neither has yet stood trial. Eleven people were reportedly rounded up in the same post-election raid on Mundubile's home.
The string of arrests, combined with allegations of electoral irregularities and an uneven playing field during the campaign, has raised alarm about the health of democracy in Zambia. On September 11, authorities cancelled the passports of six government critics while they were abroad. Amnesty International condemned the move, stating that the government was "using administrative powers to silence critics."
This incident is not isolated to Zambia, as Kenya also faces concerns over the safety of its clergy. Previously, TUKO.co.ke highlighted facts about Father Lucio Karioki, who was found dead in his room at Our Lady of Rosary Doldol Parish in Laikipia North. A fellow priest raised the alarm after Karioki failed to respond before morning Mass.
The Zambian government has been taking steps to address concerns over corruption and governance. However, the recent arrests have sparked concerns over the government's commitment to upholding democratic values and protecting human rights.
Key points
- Catholic Archbishop Alick Banda was arrested over a Toyota Hilux allegedly linked to former President Edgar Lungu.
- The arrest is part of a wider crackdown on government critics following Zambia's August 2025 presidential election.
- Banda denied any wrongdoing and was released on bail, scheduled to stand trial in November.
