. Mulenga

By CATHERINE NYIRENDA and NAKUBIANA SHABONGO –
PRESIDENT Michael Sata is well contrary to online and international media reports insinuating that he has been hospitalised, his son Mulenga has disclosed.
Mulenga said at a Press briefing at the Civic Centre in Lusaka that President Sata was equally disturbed by international media reports that he had been hospitalised.
“I personally spoke to the President and the First Lady in New York today (yesterday) at 07:00 hours local time and they have confirmed that he is well. Therefore, the speculation about the President being hospitalised in New York are unwarranted and totally false,” Mulenga, said.
“I wish to inform the nation and the world at large that His Excellency the President Mr Michael Chilufya Sata is well in New York, contrary to the online and international media reports insinuating that the President has been hospitalised.”
Mulenga, who is also the Lusaka mayor, said the First Family had asked him to issue a statement on the growing speculation.
“The President expressed regret at the unfortunate reports being circulated concerning his health and he has urged all peace-loving Zambians to remain calm and united. He will issue a statement from New York in due course,” Mulenga added.
Meanwhile, Vice-President Guy Scott has refuted international media reports that President Sata is receiving treatment in New York.
Dr Scott told Parliament yesterday that President Sata was working normally and attending the United Nations General Assembly conference in New York contrary to reports that he was hospitalised.
Dr Scott was responding to a question raised by United Party for National Development (UPND) Monze Central Member of Parliament (MP) Jack Mwiimbu during the Vice-President’s question-and-answer time.
Mr Mwiimbu asked the Vice-President to clarify to the House reports by the international media that President Sata was being treated in New York.
“The argument that he was not making presentations at the conference is misconceived, it is not always that President Sata has to make presentations but sometimes just sits in and listen, only when it’s necessary,” Dr Scott said.