Lone Protestor Released Following Detention At Woodlands Police Station

Youth activist Kelvin Mukuka has been released following his detention at Woodlands police station this weekend. 

Mukuka was arrested as he peacefully marched to State House, travelling along Independence Avenue. He was charged with conduct likely to breach the peace. 

According to the Manse youth he was protesting as a citizen and wanted to see President Edgar Lungu. He carried a banner that read, “I don’t need to be a PF cadre to voice out!” The banner also described him as “The Voice of Luapula.” 

Meanwhile his t-shirt read, “It’s we the people that have the power to decide who goes to State House & to the Dog House.” 

Ahead of his protest Mukuka expressed frustration with the fact that many groups are being denied permits for protests, claiming that there is no freedom of expression. As he was protesting alone he said he did not require a permit. 

Musician and civil society activist Pilato described Mukuka’s detention as disturbing. “The news that Mukuka Kelvin has been arrested for peacefully marching to State House is disturbing. Just a few days ago we saw the president welcomed drunk looking chaps who delivered a petition to him, no one was arrested but they were entertained by the head of state,” the musician wrote. 

Before his protest Mukuka gave a short interview. He is quoted by The Mast as stating, “If you have seen in Zambia, a lot of people are being intimidated. There are so many people who want to speak out but they can’t because of this regime… Anyone who wants to speak Kampyongo will say ‘we’ll break your bones.’ Kampyongo always says ‘we don’t want you to protest because the government is doing fine.’ But the government is doing fine for them, not for the majority Zambians.”

Youth activist Kelvin Mukuka marching peacefully to State House