Zambia's President Hakainde Hichilema Sacks 3 Top Judges Who ruled In Favour Of His Rival

In an intresting turn of events Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has  sacked three top judges he previously suspended over alleged judicial misconduct.

Reportdely the three Constitutional Court judges presided over a presidential petition in 2016 in which they dismissed Hichilema’s challenge against the election victory of former President Edgar Lungu.

They  were also involved in a controversial ruling allowing Lungu to stand in the 2021 elections, despite having twice served as Zambia’s president.

Their  unceremonious dismissal comes after they lost a court application for a review of a judicial panel’s decision recommending their suspension.

On Sunday evening, a statement released by the presidency said they had been “removed with immediate effect” following a recommendation by the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC).

“The removal of the judges is in exercise of the powers vested in the President under [the Zambian constitution],” it said.

The three judges – Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda – have not publicly commented on the matter.

The JCC had investigated them over allegations of gross misconduct following a complaint by Moses Kalonde, a private citizen.

Last year, the JCC rejected a complaint from lawyer Joseph Busenga, who had petitioned for the removal of the three judges, alleging that they had mishandled the 2016 election petition.

Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema has now sacked three top judges he previously suspended over alleged judicial misconduct, drawing further accusations of political interference in the judiciary.

The three Constitutional Court judges presided over a presidential petition in 2016 in which they dismissed Hichilema’s challenge against the election victory of former President Edgar Lungu.

They also took part in a controversial ruling allowing Lungu to stand in the 2021 elections, despite having twice served as Zambia’s president.

Their dismissal comes after they lost a court application for a review of a judicial panel’s decision recommending their suspension.

On Sunday evening, a statement released by the presidency said they had been “removed with immediate effect” following a recommendation by the Judicial Complaints Commission (JCC).

“The removal of the judges is in exercise of the powers vested in the President under [the Zambian constitution],” it said.

The three judges – Justice Annie Sitali, Justice Mungeni Mulenga, and Justice Palan Mulonda – have not publicly commented on the matter.

The JCC had investigated them over allegations of gross misconduct following a complaint by Moses Kalonde, a private citizen.

Last year, the JCC rejected a complaint from lawyer Joseph Busenga, who had petitioned for the removal of the three judges, alleging that they had mishandled the 2016 election petition.

Political tensions have risen in Zambia ahead of elections in 2026 when Hichilema and Lungu are expected to face each other for a fourth time.