Africa-Press – Zambia. President Edgar Lungu says the untimely demise of Chief Justice Ireen Mambilima who died in Egypt while on official duty has left everyone in shock. “The Nation has been gripped with shock owe for the past one month. We have lost His Excellency, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, our Founding Father, Father of this great Nation, Zambia. And before we could come to terms with this huge loss, we lose another great Zambian- Her Ladyship, the Chief Justice. The Lady who has brought us here today, has left all of us in shock,” President Lungu said.
The Head of State stated that Mrs. Mambilima’s death was least expected as the Nation was still shocked with the loss of other Zambians. “It is even more painful that she was stricken and departed us while away from home and her family,” he said.
President Lungu said the death of Justice Mambilima was heart- breaking because she was fine when she departed for Egypt on official duties. “When information reached me that she was unwell, I directed responsible departments to ensure that she was flown back home, including sending an aircraft and an air ambulance. Unfortunately that was not to be and we lost her,” he said.
President Lungu said the development was a heavy burden on him, Government and the people of Zambia. “Indeed, a dark cloud is hanging on Zambia. We have lost great people in a very short space of time. We have lost former ministers, businessmen, health workers including, doctors; and ordinary people we might not call VIPs but indeed they all matter to me,” he said.
The Head of State said he he was grieving with families across the country that were grieving the loss a beloved one even if he might not have met them personally.
“My sympathies to you. Just yesterday, I lost Permanent Secretary, a man of God in the Ministry of National Guidance and Religious Affairs (Rev. Howard Sikwela). But God I know you are there. You have not abandoned us. You have not abandoned our Nation. We are a Christian Nation and we know you will answer our prayers. Like Job in the Bible, Lord, I say blessed be your Name! Blessed be Your Name!” he prayed.
Speaking at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross in Lusaka today during her funeral service, President Lungu stated that the Nation had lost an icon of justice and a leading jurist in Justice Mambilima. The Republican President said Justice Mambilima was a true defender of the Rule of Law.
“Justice Mambilima served her country with diligence and impeccable integrity for forty- four years in both public service and the justice sector. She lived a life of service to the very end,” he said. President Lungu said the Chief Justice was an example that any Zambian would be whatever they wanted to be in life.
“The Lady to be interred today is a great example, especially among our girls, that you young lady can be whatever you want to be if you put your mind to it. Irene Mambilima was a girl raised in a humble community in Lusaka at a time when the girl – child was disadvantaged as far as education was concerned. But she eluded those stereotypes, excelled at school, studied law at university and rose to the highest office of the judiciary,” he said.
President Lungu said many people came to know Justice Mambilima when she chaired the Electoral Commission of Zambia (ECZ) and presided over the Presidential and General Election in 2006, 2011 and 2015.
“These were hard fought for elections but Justice Mambilima’s experience and exemplary character prevailed. No wonder she became the First Zambian Chief Justice in February 2015,” he recalled.
President Lungu said Justice Mambilima was a wife, mother, grandmother and a guardian to many. “I pray to God almighty to provide Major Mambilima and the family, and all, the solace and fortitude to bear this very painful loss. He thanked the President of Egypt and his Government over the assistance rendered during the loss of the Chief Justice.
“Fellow mourners, may I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Judiciary and the people of Zambia, and indeed on my own behalf, to convey our deepest gratitude to His Excellency, Abdel Fattah Al- Sisi, President of the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt and their Justices at the Supreme Constitutional Court of Egypt for the assistance rendered ” he said.
