Kampyongo Explains Lumumba Deportation

Home Affairs Minister Stephen Kampyongo has had his say on the barred Kenyan law professor Patrick Lumumba revealing that the fabled academician did not follow procedure for his intended visit.

Kampyongo said the organizers of the public event at which Lumumba was due to speak had overlooked certain legal provisions.

Professor Lumumba was due to speak at Golden Peacock Hotel at the invitation of Eden Christian University with tickets already sold out but was denied entry into Zambia by immigration officials.

He said Zambia, like any other country does not have absolute freedom in terms of admitting people who intend to visit, as there are rules and regulations to be considered, further stating that Zambia reserves the right not to explain why someone is denied entry into the country.

‘’Just a few weeks ago, Laura Miti , a Zambian activist was denied entry into South Africa, Do we surely have to ask the SA government why they denied her entry? No! The country reserves the right to either state or not state reasons for deportation,” he said.

“We do not micro manage anything, but govern by following laid procedures. And so, when such a decision was made, it was not the Minister’s decision per say, but government’s decision, reflecting the correct interpretation of rules and regulations from concerned stakeholders.”

Kampyongo said the Immigration Act 18 of 2010 clearly stipulates the rules and procedures that should be followed by people who intend to come to Zambia.

The Minister was speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia before transiting to Geneva to attend an annual Executive Committee meeting of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees-UNHCR- in Geneva.