Patriotic Front deputy secretary general Mumbi Phiri this morning said she would not respond to Chishimba Kambwili’s attacks because he is her brother on 5Fm’s Burning Issue.

And about an hour after the programme ended, Kambwili posted an apology on his Facebook page saying he was “caught up in the moment”.

At a press briefing yesterday, the expelled Roan PF member of parliament said he was shocked that Phiri was boasting that she was married to a wealthy man when he used to buy toilet tissue for her.

But when asked to react, Phiri said her 20-year-old daughter advised her not to respond to Kambwili because the two families enjoyed a close relationship.

“Honorable Chishimba Kambwili is my brother I wish you listened when I was on the other program on radio two days ago. Our children are friends you can imagine what my daughter was talking to me I hear he was on radio I didn’t listen you can see the way I am dressed I am going for a burial of my family friend. That’s when my daughter talked to me and said ‘we heard uncle Kambwili said some things about you on the radio and mum please don’t respond to him. Whatever you are doing you should remember we are family and don’t damage our relationship’ you can imagine this is a 20-year-old girl telling me that and this is a very good friend to Honorable Kambwili’s last children. And that is why in the beginning I said some things are not worth responding to otherwise for me he is my brother and I still stick to what I have said that when we are in these positions if I see a wrong I should emulate Levy Mwanawasa to resign than to start condemning when I am tired I think it is not right,” said Phiri.

And Kambwili posted the apology below after Phiri’s interview was concluded:

I would like to unreservedly apologise to my sister and friend Hon Mumbi Phiri for my sensitments yesterday. To error is human and to apologise is devine. I exceeded the mark with what I said and it was wrong of me, it was a spare of the moment thing and I would like to retract that statement.

After reflecting on my statements I say sorry and kindly forgive me for what I had said about you. I have nothing whatsoever against you and that was too harsh of me. I got caught up in the moment so to speak, kindly find it in your heart to forgive me for my wrong doings.

Thank you.