TIKTOKER ‘WHY ME’ RELEASED FROM PRISON, I’M A CHANGED MAN HE SAYS. Zambian TikToker Francis Kapwepwe, popularly known as “Why Me,” has been released from prison after serving time in connection with a hate speech case. Kapwepwe, who became widely known for his controversial TikTok content, says his experience behind bars has changed him and […]

TIKTOKER ‘WHY ME’ RELEASED FROM PRISON, I’M A CHANGED MAN HE SAYS.

Zambian TikToker Francis Kapwepwe, popularly known as “Why Me,” has been released from prison after serving time in connection with a hate speech case.

Kapwepwe, who became widely known for his controversial TikTok content, says his experience behind bars has changed him and described his time in prison as a “restructuring process.”

Speaking after his release, Kapwepwe said he regrets allowing himself to be used by politicians and pledged to conduct himself differently going forward.

He said the experience had given him an opportunity to reflect on his actions and promised to become a responsible citizen.

Kapwepwe was convicted by the Lusaka Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to two counts of hate speech under the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act.

Court proceedings established that the charges arose from posts published through his TikTok account, “Why Me the Lion of the World,” in March and April 2025.

The prosecution alleged that some of the remarks targeted President Hakainde Hichilema, Vice President Mutale Nalumango, Chief Mukuni and people from Southern Province.

Reports from the court proceedings indicate that Kapwepwe apologised to those affected by his remarks and asked the court for leniency.

The court subsequently imposed a two-year sentence with hard labour, with the sentence running concurrently from the date of his arrest.

Kapwepwe’s release marks the latest chapter in a case that attracted significant attention over the limits of social media expression, hate speech and political commentary in Zambia.

– Zambian Watch News.