Wilson Chipangura, Guest Correspondent
LUSAKA – The founding father and first president of independent Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda has died.
Opposition party leader Hakainde Hichilema of UPND announced the sad news.
“We have learned with deep sorrow, of the death of Zambia’s first President and our founding father, Dr Kenneth David Buchizya Kaunda. He passed away peacefully in Lusaka today, after a short illness,” said Hichilema.
Hichilema paid tribute to KK (as Kaunda was often called) and also condolences to the family of Zambia.
“We express our deepest condolences to the Kaunda family during their bereavement and pray for strength as they come to terms with this sad loss.
“Bashikulu KK will be sorely missed by all Zambians and the rest of the people on the African continent. Rest in peace gallant son of Africa,” he said.
Kaunda was one the remaining veterans of independence time Presidents in southern Africa and his death is a blow to the whole region. He was 97.
