Zambia's President Kenneth Kaunda who ruled from 1964 to 1991, gave up the ghost at a military hospital in Lusaka where he was being treated for pneumonia at the age of ninety-seven (97).
Kaunda ruled Zambia from 1964, when the southern African nation won its independence from Britain, until 1992, afterward became one of Africa's activists against HIV/AIDS.
Kaunda son Kambarage revealed today Thursday 17th June 2021 on his late father's Facebook page “I am sad to inform (members) we have lost Mzee (the old man). Let’s pray for him,”
“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,” President Edgar Lungu said in a message on his Facebook page.
Kaunda properly known as KK was a strong supporter of efforts to end apartheid in South Africa, he was also a leading supporter of liberation movements in Mozambique presently known as Zimbabwe.
Zambian President Edgar Lungu said the country was mourning "a true African icon".
"I learned of your passing this afternoon with great sadness," he wrote on Facebook. "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."
Authorities declared 21 days of mourning for the liberation hero.
