‘I cannot question Hichilema’s decision,’ Ex-Health Minister, Muchima, reacts to sack by the President

Former Health Minister, Elijah Muchima, claims he does not know the reasons behind his dismissal from Government, stressing that the appointment and removal of ministers is the sole prerogative of the Head of State. In a statement issued on Friday, Muchima said he neither questioned President Hakainde Hichilema when he was appointed into Cabinet nor would he question him now that he has been relieved of his duties. “It is the President’s prerogative,” Muchima said when asked whether he knew why he had been fired.

“I have no idea.” The UPND Member of Parliament for Ikele’ngi Constituency said he fully respected the decision of the Head of State, noting that ministerial appointments were a matter of presidential discretion. “But why should I question it? It is his prerogative to hire and fire.

When he appointed me, I did not ask him why. Now that I am fired, why should I question the President’s decision?” he said. Muchima further expressed gratitude to President Hichilema for giving him the opportunity to serve in government, describing his time in Cabinet as a privilege. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.