The first and former president of Zambia died on 17 June 2021. He was 97 years of age.
The nationalist is said to have been in hospital being treated for pneumonia when he died. To mourn their beloved hero, Zambia has declared a 21 day mourning period for Kaunda.
Kenneth Kaunda was born on the 28th of April 2021. He became the Zambian president in 1964 and finished his rule in 1991. The fight for Africa’s independence was of utmost importance to the leader. This led him to play a fundamental role in fighting colonialist rule in neighbouring countries.
Most African leaders are sometimes described as corrupt dictators who focus primarily on their own gain. However, Kenneth Kaunda was referred to by some as the most humane of African leaders.
View some of the sentiments about Kaunda’s death from noteworthy figures:
This marks the end of a journey, the last man standing, H.E. Kenneth Kaunda 💔 pic.twitter.com/7kv7gs33PZ
— Modibe Modiba (@mmodiba10) June 17, 2021
Kenneth Kaunda stood with us Kenyans during our independence struggle against the British and had close working ties with both Jomo Kenyatta and Jaramogi Odinga. pic.twitter.com/cVNSCyd9du
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) June 17, 2021
This evening we bow our heads in grief at the passing of a beloved and rightfully revered father of African independence and unity – President Kenneth “KK” Kaunda. We are united in our sadness with the Kaunda family and the government and people of the Republic of Zambia.#RIPKK pic.twitter.com/kyyPQbgfVq
— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 #VoteANC (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 17, 2021
Saddened to hear about the demise of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, 1st President & founding father of modern Zambia. I was privileged to meet him in 2018. A towering Pan-African leader & a committed Gandhian, his contribution will never go dim. Deepest condolences to the people of Zambia. pic.twitter.com/OQhW6IYCpX
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) June 18, 2021
Another fascinating @times obituary well worth reading today: Kenneth Kaunda, the first president of independent Zambia whose passing marks the end of an era. https://t.co/2WNbeMFbvb
— Simon Nixon (@Simon_Nixon) June 18, 2021
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