Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia's founding president and liberation hero, has died, aged 97, at a military hospital in Lusaka where he was being treated for pneumonia, his son, Kambarage, said on Wednesday.
Kaunda ruled Zambia from 1964, when the southern African nation won its independence from Britain, until 1991, and afterwards become one of Africa's most committed activists against HIV/AIDS.
Goodbye to you President Kenneth Kaunda. I am and will always be a proud member of the "KK11" . Dignity & honor. May your dear soul rest in Eternal Peace, knowing the immense impact you made on all of us Zambians, Africans and World at large. Sincerest condolences to family. pic.twitter.com/Xaia5aLqTq
— Kalusha Bwalya (@KalushaPBwalya) June 17, 2021
"I am sad to inform (members) we have lost Mzee. Let’s pray for him," Kambarage said on the late president's Facebook page.
BREAKING NEWS!
— Zamvibe (@zamvibe) June 17, 2021
First republican President Kenneth Kaunda has died at the age of 97 #ripkk pic.twitter.com/NqJXbVEtb3