HH disappointed with Katele: He repaid the President in that manner after being  pardoned following appeals by Churches, chiefs ‎

President Hakainde Hichilema has reportedly expressed profound disappointment over the actions of former Finance Minister Dr. Katele Kalumba, who recently turned his criticism toward the Head of State despite having been granted a presidential pardon. Dr. Kalumba, a prominent cabinet minister during the Frederick Chiluba administration, had been serving a prison sentence for corrupt practices when intense lobbying from church mother bodies, traditional chiefs, and the Former Parliamentarians Association successfully appealed for his release on medical and humanitarian grounds. The clemency granted by President Hichilema was widely viewed across the political divide as an act of grace, aimed at allowing the ailing former minister to seek proper medical attention outside correctional facilities. However, public sentiment soured rapidly following the circulation of a controversial video clip in which Dr. Kalumba launched scathing remarks against the current administration. State House insiders indicate that the President felt personally let down, noting the extensive diplomatic and political capital expended to accommodate appeals for mercy from respected traditional and religious leaders. Political analysts and civil society organizations have roundly condemned the development, suggesting that Dr. Kalumba's conduct undermines the integrity of the presidential prerogative of mercy. Communications experts and governance commentators have emphasized that while citizens retain a constitutional right to critique public office bearers, abusing an act of clemency extended during a period of grave vulnerability sets a dangerous precedent for future appeals. Many argue that such ungrateful political posturing makes it increasingly difficult for future leaders to exercise humanitarian discretion for aging or sick inmates. In the wake of the public backlash, law enforcement agencies moved swiftly, leading to Dr. Kalumba's subsequent rearrest in connection with cyber harassme