Zambia's First President Kenneth Kaunda Dies Of Pneumonia
Faith Ukanwa
Jun 18, 2021
The first President of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda, has died at the age of 97, after suffering from Pneumonia.
READ ALSO: What is COVID-19?
Kaunda, who ruled the Zambia for 27 years, championed Africa's struggles against apartheid and human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS).
READ ALSO: (Opinion) Ottimystic Mayoral Apostles And Disciples: Kaleidoscopic Perspectives
President Edgar Lungu, who confirmed the death on his Facebook page, wrote;
READ ALSO: President Trump Unveils $1,000 Investment Account for All Babies Born Between 2025-2028
"KKÔÇØ, as he was popularly known, was being treated for pneumonia at the Maina Soko Medical Centre, a military hospital in Lusaka. He died yesterday at 97.
READ ALSO: WHY Police Arrested Akon in Georgia Revealed: Full Details Emerge
"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.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: 2023: Kogi Govt Issues Monitory Conditions For Campaign Billboards, Posters
21 days of mourning for has been declared in Zambia for late Kaunda.
READ ALSO: Obasanjo speaks again, says Nigeria may fall into pieces
Reacting to Kaunda's death, the President through a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu said;
READ ALSO: Why Madagascar Soldiers Refused Orders to Shoot Protesters | WATCH VIDEO
"I have received his passing with great shock because I knew his contributions to the development of not only Zambia but also Africa at large.
READ ALSO: Dr. Chima Anyaso Hosts Namibian Governor, Strengthens Africa's Economic Partnerships
"We can't forget in a hurry how Kaunda gave shelter to anti-apartheid freedom fighters from South Africa and from former Rhodesia.
READ ALSO: Trump Speaks Out: Why U.S. May Join the Israel-Iran War | READ DETAILS
"The late Kaunda was one of the loudest voices for the liberation of Africa from colonialism and imperialism and he did so with passion and sincerity. It is impossible to reflect on Kaunda's legacy without acknowledging his selflessness and passion for service.ÔÇØ
In the other hand, a former president of Nigeria, Dr Goodluck Jonathan on his Facebook page wrote;
READ ALSO: How I Survived When Everyone Else DiedÔÇØ - Lone Survivor of Air India Crash Speaks
"I am deeply saddened by the passing on of former Zambian President and foremost Pan-Africanist Dr. Kenneth Kaunda who died today at the age of 97 years.
READ ALSO: Akwa Ibom: Uyo LGA Orders Temporal Suspension Of Electronic Tax
Not only was he of very great significance to Africa's struggle for liberation he was also quite significant to me. I met him as a much younger politician and I am glad to have maintained a close relationship with the great sage.
READ ALSO: What is COVID-19?
Kaunda was a specimen of the highest level of patriotism. He was also a strong promoter of Pan-Africanism, an idea that has reached maturity with the African Continental Free Trade Area, which itself was a product of the vision of men and women like Mr. Kaunda.
READ ALSO: (Opinion) Ottimystic Mayoral Apostles And Disciples: Kaleidoscopic Perspectives
His life was a pattern of good works, and his post Presidential work in providing relief for HIV/AIDS patients, as well as promoting practices and measures to curb the spread of the virus are remembered.
READ ALSO: President Trump Unveils $1,000 Investment Account for All Babies Born Between 2025-2028
During my time as the Governor of Bayelsa State in 2006, Pa Kaunda visited and spent two days with us in Yenagoa, because of our shared interest in the protection of our peoples against the scourge of HIV/AIDS.
READ ALSO: WHY Police Arrested Akon in Georgia Revealed: Full Details Emerge
I recall with relish the impressive pace displayed by Kaunda, then aged 82 years, at the symbolic Three Arms Walk for HIV/AIDS on the streets of Yenagoa.
READ ALSO: 2023: Kogi Govt Issues Monitory Conditions For Campaign Billboards, Posters
He visited me a couple of times when I was in office as President of Nigeria. We last saw each other in 2016 when I visited him while I was in Zambia as Head of African Union (AU) Election Observation Mission.
READ ALSO: Obasanjo speaks again, says Nigeria may fall into pieces
He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered across the entire continent.
READ ALSO: Why Madagascar Soldiers Refused Orders to Shoot Protesters | WATCH VIDEO
On behalf of the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation and my family, I condole with the government and people of the Republic of Zambia on the passing of their foremost founding father.
READ ALSO: Dr. Chima Anyaso Hosts Namibian Governor, Strengthens Africa's Economic Partnerships
I pray for fortitude to his immediate family. "
Related Stories
WHY Police Arrested Akon in Georgia Revealed: Full Details Emerge
Dr. Chima Anyaso Hosts Namibian Governor, Strengthens Africa's Economic Partnerships
Why Madagascar Soldiers Refused Orders to Shoot Protesters | WATCH VIDEO
Trump Speaks Out: Why U.S. May Join the Israel-Iran War | READ DETAILS
How I Survived When Everyone Else DiedÔÇØ - Lone Survivor of Air India Crash Speaks
President Trump Unveils $1,000 Investment Account for All Babies Born Between 2025-2028
""
— Faith Ukanwa