Speaker Nelly Mutti Rebukes MP Miles Sampa for Stirring Confusion in Parliament

Speaker of the National Assembly Nelly Mutti yesterday sternly rebuked Matero Member of Parliament Miles Sampa, urging him to refrain from causing confusion in the House.This followed Sampa's remarks and questions related to the recent death of former President Edgar Lungu.

Mutti reminded Sampa that he was not alone in mourning the late president, emphasizing that many others, including herself, were deeply grieved by the loss. "The late President Lungu was a good friend of mine," Mutti said. "We worked together as colleagues, handling legal cases. The pain you feel cannot surpass the pain I feel, so let us not judge who is more affected."

The speaker’s remarks came during a parliamentary session where Sampa had posed a contentious question to Vice President Mutale Nalumango. He inquired whether President Hakainde Hichilema would honor the Lungu family’s reported request for the President to refrain from attending the State funeral.

Responding to Sampa, Vice President Nalumango stated that a State funeral necessitates the presence of the sitting President. 

Mutti further emphasized the importance of respecting the solemnity of the moment, cautioning Sampa against sparking unnecessary tension. "All of us have experienced the loss of loved ones," she said. "Would you want confusion during the funeral of someone you cared about? Desist from such actions you are a leader."

The speaker urged Parliament members to avoid debating contentious issues surrounding the funeral arrangements for the late president, who passed away last Thursday in South Africa.

As Zambia mourns the loss of its former leader, Speaker Mutti’s words served as a reminder of the importance of unity and decorum during a time of collective grief.