The rise in the number of killings being experienced in Lusaka and other cities is a result of bad and poor leadership, says International Fellowship of Christian Churches (IFCC) president Bishop Simon Chihana.

Delivering a special sermon during a thanksgiving peace worship service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross ahead of tomorrow’s Lusaka mayoral by-election, where hundreds of Lusaka residents showed up on Monday afternoon, Bishop Chihana observed that the rise in the number of killings being experienced in Lusaka and other cities were as a result of poor leadership.

“Look, people of God, we have seen a number of killings in Lusaka and other cities. Why do you think such things are happening? These come as a result of bad and poor leaders! As long as we do not vote for God-fearing leaders, we shall continue seeing these gates of hell,” Bishop Chihana warned.

He urged all Lusaka residents to vote in peace, cautioning against unnecessary violence.

Bishop Simon Chihana added that only a God-fearing leader could redeem “the greater city of Lusaka”.

He observed that Lusaka needed a leader who would not abandon the true principal of humanity and acknowledge that God had a purpose for the residents of Lusaka.

“My beloved brothers and sisters, let me tell you that this city is so special! It is special in the sense that it is covered by four gates; the north, the east, the west and the south. What I mean is that Lusaka is a city with much influence. We need a God-fearing leader; a leader that will not abandon the true principal of humanity; a leader that will acknowledge that God has a purpose for the residents of Lusaka. We need a leader that will deal with many evil happenings in our city,” said Bishop Chihana.

Meanwhile, congregants, among other church leaders in attendance, prayed for UPND mayoral candidate Kangwa Chileshe.

The service, organized by the City of Refuge Ministries, was filled with praise and worship songs.

Among the people that attended the service were clergymen and women from different congregations.

Notable political figures included, UPND chairperson for strategy and mobilization Sylvia Masebo as well as members from Nevers Mumba’s Movement for Multi-Party Democracy (MMD).