The family of former President Edgar Lungu has firmly rejected claims that he was poisoned, describing such allegations as “baseless and harmful speculation” amid ongoing concern over his recent health status. The statement, issued on 18 February 2026, comes after social media rumours and unverified reports suggested that Lungu’s medical condition was the result of deliberate poisoning.
Edgar Lungu, Zambia’s head of state from 2015 until 2021, has been receiving medical care abroad in recent weeks, prompting widespread public interest and commentary. His family, however, has been consistent in maintaining that his health issues are due to natural causes and unrelated to any external interference.
Clarifying the allegations
The controversy began when a series of online posts and informal community comments suggested that Lungu had been poisoned, insinuating foul play by political rivals. These claims spread rapidly across messaging platforms and social media networks, drawing attention from both supporters and critics of the former president Edgar Lungu.
In response, Edgar Lungu’s family issued a formal statement rejecting the poisoning narrative. According to the family, circulating rumours were “unfounded and inflammatory,” adding that there is no medical or forensic evidence to support allegations of deliberate poisoning. A spokesperson for the family emphasised that the public deserved accurate information and urged citizens to rely on official medical updates and verified statements rather than social media conjecture.
Medical condition and public concern
Details about Lungu’s exact medical condition have been limited by the family and the physicians overseeing his care. Medical privacy laws and the family’s preference for confidentiality have meant that only general information has been released, noting that he was receiving treatment for a serious but unspecified ailment.
The former president’s health developments have prompted significant public interest, with supporters expressing sympathy and wishing him a full recovery. Some political commentators have also called for transparency, arguing that public figures of Lungu’s stature warrant clear communication about health matters that can affect national sentiment and political stability.
Political context and reaction
The poisoning allegations surfaced against a backdrop of intense political discussion in Zambia, where Lungu remains an influential figure. While no formal investigation or official accusation has been made regarding deliberate harm, opposition voices and some social media users had amplified theories about foul play, linking them to factional rivalries within Zambian politics.
Political analysts caution that unverified claims of poisoning can be destabilising, especially if they target prominent leaders and fuel mistrust among citizens. “These narratives, when spread without evidence, can erode public confidence and distract from substantive political discourse,” one commentator said. The ruling government in Lusaka has not endorsed any poisoning claims nor has it issued a public statement confirming or denying them. Instead, official sources have maintained a cautious silence, suggesting that they will defer to medical professionals and the family’s statements.
Public reaction and social media dynamics
The public response to the poisoning rumours and the family’s denial has been mixed. On social media, some users echoed the family’s frustration with rumours, urging others to respect privacy and avoid spreading misinformation. Comments emphasised the importance of compassion and support for someone facing serious health challenges. Others continued to raise questions about the lack of detailed medical information, though few offered concrete evidence to support speculative theories. The situation illustrates how digital platforms can amplify both concern and conjecture, often outpacing official communication.
Civil society groups also weighed in, denouncing the spread of unverified medical claims as irresponsible and potentially harmful. Several organisations called for greater digital literacy and caution among users navigating health-related topics online.
The broader issue of health transparency in politics
Lungu’s case has reignited a wider debate in Zambia and beyond about the transparency of health information concerning political leaders. While international norms vary, many analysts argue that clarity about the well-being of prominent public figures can be important for national stability and confidence. At the same time, there are strong arguments for respecting personal privacy and allowing individuals and their families to manage sensitive health matters without undue public intrusion. Navigating this balance remains a challenge in many countries, especially in the age of social media where rumours can spread rapidly.
As Lungu continues his medical treatment, attention is likely to remain on official channels for updates rather than informal speculation. The family’s firm rejection of poisoning claims is intended to quell rumour and focus public attention on verified information.
Observers note that as long as specifics about his health condition continue to be limited, the potential for misinformation persists making responsible communication and public patience key components of the ongoing conversation. For now, Zambia’s political community and the public at large are waiting for clarity, while expressing well-wishes for the former president’s recovery and urging unity in the face of speculation.
