Civil rights activist and social commentator Ms. Laura Miti is baffled by Ms. Princess Kasune’s appointment as Justice Minister.
But Patriotic Front spokesperson Mr.
Emmanuel Mwamba has disagreed with Miti, arguing that her “criticism is dangerously malicious and usually emanates from her narrow perspective and closed worldview.”
Reacting to President Hakainde Hichilema’s appointment of Kasune on Wednesday evening, Miti took to her social pages to question the new Minister of Justice’s credentials as she did not understand the reasoning behind the appointment.
Kasune has replaced Mr. Mulambo Haimbe, a lawyer, who has been moved to the Foreign Affairs position.
“But why move Mr. Haimbe there, to replace him, at the highly technical and consequential Justice, with Ms. Kasune – a non-lawyer with no full ministerial experience? This, at a time when so many legal reforms are in the pipeline. Most baffling,” Miti wrote.
As for the other two cabinet changes made, Miti considers that “The rest is musical chairs. No attempt to bring in the much-needed new blood or relieve ministers who are drowning in their portfolios like Minister of Agriculture [Reuben] Mtolo.”
She also took a swipe at the president’s communication department labeling it as being “on life support” and needing a “transplant.”
But Mwamba sharply disagreed with Miti on Kasune’s appointment.
He said Kasune is a world-renowned HIV/AIDS advocate, author, educator, and activist who has met influential global leaders.
Mwamba notes that, as demonstrated in the past, a Justice Minister does not need to be a lawyer, and similarly, a Minister of Finance does not need to be an economist or financial expert, nor does a Minister of Health need to be a medical doctor.
“Her appointment as Justice Minister is, therefore, just and fair, especially with her worldwide experience and a deep sense of justice, fairness, and equality. You would wonder why she wasn’t appointed any earlier!” Mwamba wrote on his Facebook page.
“Laura’s criticism is not different from the many criticisms and rancour we see; malicious, pull-him/her-down, Kano-nga-nibena (unless it’s you) type!”
