Zambia’s president Edgar Chagwa pays tribute to Kaunda
Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s first president has died aged 97.
His death was announced via a Facebook post by the current president of the country, Edgar Chagwa Lungu on Thursday.
President Chagwa wrote, “,Dear KK, I learnt of your passing this afternoon with great sadness.
“On behalf of the entire nation and on my own behalf I pray that the entire Kaunda family is comforted as we mourn our First President and true African icon.”
Kaunda’s son, Kambarage also disclosed the news of his father’s death on the deceased’s Facebook page.
“I am sad to inform [members] we have lost Mzee [his father]. Let’s pray for him,” Kambarage wrote.
Honoring the death of the late president, Zambian authorities have declared 21 days of mourning.
Kaunda’s death came just a few days after he was admitted to a military hospital in the capital, Lusaka on Monday. He was said to be suffering from pneumonia.
His death has been trailed by glowing tributes for his philosophy while he lived.
The Nelson Mandela Foundation praised Kaunda’s famed contribution to the struggle against colonialism.
Former captain of the Zambian national team, Kalusha Bwalya also hailed Kaunda as one who made “an immense impact”.
After the Southern African country gained Independence from Britain on 24 October 1964, Kaunda, the then Prime Minister, became the inaugural president. He held this position from 1964 until 1991.
He is well-respected for his staunch anti-colonial stance and was a strong agitator for liberation of South Africa and Zimbabwe.
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