Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Raila Odinga on Monday landed in Lusaka, Zambia for the inauguration of President-Elect Hakainde Hichilema on Tuesday.

Raila lauded the election of the opposition leader as president, saying it was a great day for citizens of Zambia following a peaceful transfer of power after the recent General Election.


Raila Odinga in Lusaka. PHOTO/COURTESY

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“It will be a great day for the people of Zambia and Africa as a whole to witness a seamless transfer of power as envisaged by democratic processes,” Raila said.

Hakainde Hichilema. PHOTO/COURTESY

Hichilema was last week declared victor of a hotly contested presidential election after defeating the incumbent, President Edgar Lungu, by more than a million votes.

The opposition chief beat the president after his sixth attempt at occupying State House in a win that saw his supporters flood the streets of Lusaka in excitement, song and dance.

Edgar Lungu. PHOTO/COURTESY

Lungu accepted defeat and lauded Hichilema for his win committing to a smooth transfer of power ahead of the inauguration slated for Tuesday even as he claimed the poll was flawed.

However, in his acceptance speech, the president-elect extended an olive branch to his predecessor Lungu, promising that he would not revenge atrocities meted against him.

Hakainde Hichilema. PHOTO/COURTESY

"Don't worry, you'll be ok. You won't face retribution or get teargassed," Hichilema said.

Hichilema faced constant attacks from state agents during his long stint as an opposition leader and often terming the atrocities as attempts to intimidate and silence him.