Tiktoker WHY ME Convicted for Hate Speech

By Memory Bbuku The Lusaka Magistrate Court has convicted TikToker FRANCIS KAPWEPWE, popularly known as “WHY ME”. This follows KAPWEPWE’s decision to change his plea and admit guilt to two counts of hate speech before Lusaka Principal Resident Magistrate IDAH PHIRI. When the matter came up for continuation of trial, the accused informed the court of his intention to change his plea. KAPWEPWE also confirmed the facts and witness evidence presented during the trial. Magistrate PHIRI subsequently found him guilty and convicted him on his own admission. The matter has been adjourned to May 26, 2026 for mitigation and sentencing, to allow the State to present a record of his previous conviction. This follows the State’s submission that KAPWEPWE is a repeat offender after a 2025 conviction in the Livingstone Magistrate Court. In the first count, it is alleged that on March 31, 2025, KAPWEPWE, using a computer system through his TikTok page “WHY ME the Lion of the World”, knowingly and without lawful excuse used hate speech against the Tonga people. In the second count, it is alleged that on April 3, 2025, he used the same TikTok page to direct hate speech against people from Southern Province.