Condolences Pour In For Kenneth Kaunda

Condolences have started to pour in for the founding president of Zambia, Kenneth Kaunda who died Thursday aged 97.

The current president of Zambia, Edgar Lungu said:

Dear KK,
I learnt of your passing with great sadness. You have gone at a time we least expected but we are comforted that you are now with Our Father, God Almighty in heaven.

I pray that the Kaunda family is comforted as we mourn a true African icon.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa also sent his condolences describing him as a renowned Pan-Africanist and elder statesman.

Your Excellency and Dear Brother, It was with a sense of shock and deep sorrow that I learnt of the passing on of His Excellency Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, the founding President of the Republic of Zambia, on 17 June 2021. The passing on of this renowned Pan-Africanist and elder statesman, has robbed the Kaunda family and the people of Zambia, and indeed the rest of Africa, of an exemplary Father, an astute politician and leader, whose immense contribution to the liberation of Southern African countries from colonial rule is well documented and acknowledged by the international community.

On behalf of the Government and people of Zimbabwe, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey our most sincere condolences to you, and through you to the Kaunda family, the Government and people of Zambia, on this sad loss.

Our prayers are with the Kaunda family and the people of Zambia during this period of mourning. We hope that the nation will find solace in the rich legacy, that the late former President leaves behind.

1. Zambia’s Founding President Kenneth Kaunda Dies

Exiled Zimbabwean cabinet minister, Saviour Kasukuwere also consoled the Kaunda family. He said:

_A real HERO has rested. The chapter has closed, a rare breed of leader who put the nation ahead of self, regional and African independence ahead of national interest. Thank you KK for you exhibited love and kindness throughout. #RIPKK_

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by Julius Malema described Kaunda as an astute statesman. Said the party:

The EFF is saddened by the passing of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, the former President of Zambia. We send our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Zambia, especially his family.
Former President Kaunda leaves us behind having lived a happy 97 years. He will be best remembered as the only leader of a sovereign state in the world who granted headquarters to all liberation movements of colonised African states.

He hosted MPLA of Angola, FRELIMO of Mozambique, SWAPO of Namibia, ZAPU of Zimbabwe and ANC of South Africa at a great cost of financial threats by the Western countries and military attacks by Smith of Rhodesia and Botha of South Africa. He treated all liberation movements with equality and great respect. In the midst of all sufferings of his people and government, he never abandoned people of Africa from countries under the yoke of colonialism.

An astute statesman amongst a few former heads of states who never forsaken his nation nor stole from his government. He preached peace and treated with disdain politicians who thrive on tribalism.

The white handkerchief has retired, a great poet, author and singer sleeps to wakeup no more.

Goodnight President. Tiyende Pamodzi. May your soul find peace and rest in power Son of Africa!

MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa also expressed sadness at Kaunda’s departure. Said the party:

_The MDC Alliance expresses its deepest condolences to the people of Zambia and the Kaunda family following the sad passing of His Excellency, Kenneth David Kaunda. He served as the first President of Zambia from 1964 to 1991. May he rest in peace._

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