Mwenda accuses President Hichilema of impeachable offenses over controversial appointment of Auditor General

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Kasonde Mwenda, has accused President Hakainde Hichilema of committing an impeachable offense by allegedly violating the Constitution through the “illegal appointment” of Dr. Ron Mwambwa as Auditor General.

Mwenda’s remarks followed revelations that Dr. Mwambwa told the Constitutional Court he was never formally appointed to the position, casting doubt on the legality of his tenure.

According to an affidavit filed by his lawyer, Munalula Liweleya, Dr. Mwambwa stated that his appointment had not been sanctioned by the State Audit Commission, which has not been operational since the relevant legislation was enacted.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Mwenda said the situation amounted to a constitutional breach, warranting impeachment proceedings against President Hichilema.

“It is deeply troubling that the government now seeks to distance itself from this appointment in light of the legal challenge brought by the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), which has rightly questioned the constitutional legitimacy of Dr. Mwambwa’s appointment,” Mwenda said.

He noted that the appointment was never ratified by Parliament as required under Article 184 of the Constitution and further alleged that Mwambwa exceeds the constitutional age limit of 60 years to serve as Auditor General.

“Yet he has been functioning in office since 2024, raising serious concerns about the legality of decisions and audits conducted under his watch,” Mwenda added.

He expressed shock at the State’s position in court, where it denied the formal appointment of Dr. Mwambwa—despite an earlier announcement by State House Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka.

Mwenda described the disavowal as “a blatant abdication of responsibility and an insult to public intelligence,” warning that it sets a dangerous precedent for governance.

He called on President Hichilema to clarify whether Dr. Mwambwa was appointed with his authority and to immediately revoke the “illegal appointment.”

He also demanded that State House clarify the role and authority of its Communications Specialist and whether such public statements were binding.

Mwenda urged that the Office of the Auditor General cease all operations under Dr. Mwambwa pending the outcome of the legal process.

He further called for investigative bodies to probe decisions made during Dr. Mwambwa’s tenure.

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