By Website Writer; Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s first president, and a key figure in its independence struggle, has died at the age of 97, his family has confirmed.
Kaunda was admitted to a hospital in the capital Lusaka on Monday suffering from pneumonia. His aides said he did not have Covid-19.
Kenneth David Kaunda born 28 April 1924, also known as KK, was a Zambian politician who served as the first President of Zambia from 1964 to 1991.
He was at the forefront of the struggle for independence from British rule.
Dissatisfied with Harry Nkumbula’s leadership of the Northern Rhodesian African National Congress, he broke away and founded the Zambian African National Congress, later becoming the head of the United National Independence Party (UNIP).
“I am sad to inform we have lost Mzee,” Kaunda’s son, Kambarage, wrote on his late father’s Facebook page, using a term of respect. “Let’s pray for him.”
The official funeral program is yet to be released by the government of Zambia.
Rest in Peace Kenneth Kaunda!
