ZAMBIA, Lusaka – Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema Saturday refused to use an umbrella during a heavy down pour that occurred while he was officiating at the graduation or pass-out parade mounted by the Zambia Army Special Forces (commandos) in Mbala.
According to the Zambian media, when his security detail produced an umbrella to shield him from the avalanche of torrential rains as he was inspecting the guard of honour and taking salutes, he refused to use it since the men on the parade had no parasols themselves.
He was heard saying “being soaked by water has never killed anyone. We have to face what is ahead of us without fear or favour.”
Elected resoundingly in August 2021, the Zambian leader has tried to put up a selfless comportment which include refusal to shift to state house and going for months without drawing a government salary “in his interest to serve the public.”
Responding to the claim, Hichilema said a salary was not his motivation for seeking public office, to which he was elected last August.
