The first president of Zambia, Mr Kenneth Kaunda, is dead.
He was 97.
Kaunda ruled Zambia from 1964, when the southern African nation won its independence from Britain, until 1991.
Kaunda was being treated for pneumonia at a military hospital in the capital Lusaka, his office said on June 15.
His administrative assistant Rodrick Ngolo said Kaunda, 97, was feeling unwell, and was admitted to the Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka.
Zambia’s opposition United Party for National Development leader, Hakainde Hichilema, confirmed the former leader’s demise.
“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.
“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,” the UPND leader wrote on his Facebook page on Thursday.
Kaunda was first President of the Republic of Zambia.
He was unwell and was admitted in hospital at Maina Soko Medical Centre.
After retiring, he was involved in various charitable organisations. One of his notable contributions was his zeal in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS.
He was among Africa’s few surviving liberation heroes.
