The indomitable KK with four-inch hair
A thousand hearts bleed for KK as he is helplessly dragged into the dungeon of destruction by President Michael Sata. At best, a shrewd tactician and strategist, Sata is skillful at discerning what it takes to maintain a grip on power. We are busy attacking KK when it is clear that it is president Sata who is engaging the old man in ferocious demagoguery. By doing so, he is making it difficult for the old man to become relevant again in his twilight of discontent.
Let me first spend a moment on KK. It is heartbreaking to see the old man making a laborious effort just to walk. In the spring of his life he was ageless. I remember him in his traditional mauve toga, his hair stretched a good four inches; his eyes a piercing black, his gaze as lancing as ray. He was the Zambian divine hero; our constellation extolled in song. His official portrait in every registered building in the country relayed an imposing man. Kenneth Kaunda the son of David was a multifaceted leader presented to the world as a non-violent nationalist, Pan-Africanist, freedom fighter with a Gandhian heritage, socialist, Christian, humanist, authoritarian, and in later years a ruthless dictator by some.
With body strong; mind alert; and voice unmistakable, he battled with the likes of PW Botha, and Ian Smith. His acquaintances included Martin Luther King, and Julius Nyerere. Going by the wars he fought for Nelson Mandela, Robert Mugabe, Sam Nujoma, José Eduardo dos Santos, and Samora Machel, he would have become as canonical as Mandela, if not greater. Today, he would be called the Father of Southern Africa; a man well deserving of the Nobel Peace Prize. He would be our Mandela. If I were to speak allegorically I would say he would be the spring of wisdom and the fountain of knowledge from which we in the southern region would draw.
He clings to his walking stick for support
But the winter of his life has befallen. He now has the posture of a tired man. Yes, the limp is very distinct. These days it takes a few seconds more for KK to get his balance with the help of a walking cane. It breaks our hearts to watch our Samson wither. His four inch hair, the symbol of his might, has been blown off his head by the winds of change. Whereas he once held to the people of Zambia for support, he now clings to a mere walking stick with a weak grip. His legs are feeble; his speech is slow and trailing; his eyes known for copious tears are dry; the ebony texture has faded; and his mind is no longer on guard. Without strength and courage, he is a mere prop for the powerful; a man without valor and wisdom for some; and a “senile retiree” for the flabbergasted and the disrespectful. Yes, it has come to this.
As fragile KK grapples with 89, let us all, friend and foe, thank God for him. Yes, it is true that the age 89 is associated with the word “senile,” but let us bear in mind that it is a word laden with various negative connotations and pejoration. To apply it on KK is to somehow imply that he is mentally impaired. It does not sound right. Only the insolent would dare. One thing that cannot be denied though is that the age 89 is compounded with memory loss and other health issues. As KK ages he is susceptible to various problems like blood pressure, fever, heart disease, and stroke. When exposed to stress and standing for times more than necessary, he is likely to suffer a heart attack.
He is only human
Love him or hate him, he deserves serenity, and relative comfort. We know he is a highly imperfect man with a self-destructive short fuse. During his reign he was imprudent, headstrong, at times cruel, and had trouble accepting criticism. He was known to soar into a rage at the merest provocation. He called us “stupid idiots” at his moment of fury and frustration. There are some who are overcome with rage when his name is mentioned—they accuse him of committing atrocities.
Yes, we know he, time and again, tumbled into the fire and took us with him, but we must not forget that we too, at some time or another, have been seized with vertigo and tumbled. Some of us have risen from the rubble and repaired our image. Similarly, KK is in a position to salvage the little that is left of his greatness. In fact, he has been making an effort since he retired from active politics in 2000.
Sadly, Sata is now standing in his way. He is denying KK the moral campus necessary to repair his legacy even at this late hour. By doing so, he is either unknowingly or tactfully stripping the old man of every vestige of status. President Sata knows fully well that at 89, KK is fatigued mentally and physically. He can see the old man’s posture has changed and his spine has vended forward. There is pain in his eyes, and yet, in his effort to score political points, Sata chooses to expose him to intense stress, criticism, ridicule, condemnation, and insults.
Kaunda dare say no
The callous politician he is, Sata has made KK to gravitate to him, and has now turned him into his damage controller buoyed up in times of trouble, failure or crisis. KK dare say no. He knows that his fate is in Sata’s hands. He knows how dangerous and morally bankrupt Sata is. He knows him as the “virtuoso of deception” and the most unpredictable president in our history. He said so himself back in 2008 when he endorsed Rupiah Banda: “He (Sata) is good as governor and minister, but I don’t think he can work as president. I don’t hate him, but if voters elect him, it is their own fault.” And Aislinn Laing of The Telegraph quotes KK as saying: “I know him very well, he cannot do well as president because he is not presidential material at all.”
How he finds himself in this predicament
Yes, KK knows Sata well indeed. He is his protégé. In the 1980s, KK spotted him in the UNIP horde and appointed him Governor of Lusaka. Soon Sata curved out a niche for himself as a no-nonsense Mr. City Cleaner. In late January, 1991, Sata, then the wily Member of Parliament for Kabwata, crossed paths with KK, resigned from UNIP, accusing Kaunda of being a dictator and threatened to destroy him should he “touch” him. Sata went on to become MMD’s National Secretary, and a close confidant of Frederick Chiluba.
When Kaunda attempted to participate in the 1996 elections, FTJ with the full knowledge of Sata attempted to deport him to Malawi. On March 31, 1999, the High Court declared KK stateless. What followed were perhaps KK’s most frightening and trying moments. The following day he survived an assassination attempt when armed men fired at him. Before that, between Christmas Day and December 31, 1997, he spent time in prison on tramped up charges of inciting an attempted coup. It was clear to us that even in defeat KK, with his white handkerchief regalia, was a threat to the MMD party especially in Eastern Province where he was still popular.
The baiting of KK began in 2004 when his son Waza resigned from UNIP, a waning party led by his young brother Tilyenji and joined Sata’s Patriotic Front (PF) to the disgust of his father. It was Sata’s biggest catch. At first KK did not fall for it. He rallied behind the umbrella opposition United Democratic alliance (UDA) comprising UPND, FDD, and UNIP, and endorsed Hakainde Hichilema, declaring that Sata “was not to be trusted.” But KK was trapped in 2011 when his first son Panji resigned from UPND to join Sata, followed by yet another son Kaweche.
On Monday, July 4, 2011, Sata got his wish. KK showed up at the PF general conference in Kabwe to chants of “Lelo lelo lelo Kaunda aisa! (Today Kaunda has come) and “endorsed” Sata. With this, Sata was assured of victory. The deal was sealed on September 27, 2011, with the Lusaka International Airport named after KK, capped with the title of roving ambassador. The work of Sata the Ventriloquist was complete. He had old KK on the PF string. “Sata is a great boy of Zambia!” KK declared in subservient puppetry.
A thousand hearts bleed for KK
Today, a thousand hearts bleed for 89 year-old KK, defenseless as he is against the tyranny of monopoly. When KK hurls insults at the opposition and calls Sata’s critics “wicked little things” then you know he is in a helpless, hopeless, and desperate situation. With no protection, not from those who love him, he imagines what would happen in disenchantment. Yes, the opportunistic Sata is holding KK hostage. President Michael Sata, please give the ageing KK, a man without political ambition, a chance to repair his legacy and reclaim his Father of the Nation title, so he can be remembered so.
Nalema naye uyu…….give us something to help us develop this country…..Honestly,when is this stupidity going to end…Can’t we for once talk about creative ideas…….
Don’t worry buddy.God will NEVER allow HH to be president unless…? Read these bible verses below:
“Ephesians 4:31-32, Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”. Acts 8:23 ,”For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”<<>>
PF laptop cadres are on Ruwe. They wish to kill the story because it holds some truth. KK is supposed to be a statesman and not a supporter of the PF–period. Say what you may, it is true that he is not being given a chance to strengthen his legacy.
Making a mountain out of a molehill!
Yes most of us said that Sata is not presidential material.I was one of the people who used to say that ,but now tables have turned.As they say “there are no permanent enemies in politics.” KK is not the only one,Silvia Masebo who is not as old as KK also said a similar thing but look where she is today.KK has made his choice to support Sata and it is just a pity that most of you people who don`t agree with Sata`s politics and policies wants to label Kaunda in bad faith.You have to realize that we all can`t agree on one thing and just because Kaunda doesn`t share your view doesn`t mean that he is senile or a lesser mortal.We are all unique individuals with different way of looking at things.Give the old man a break !!!!
@ Saulosi,
Thank you.
Well said Saulosi.If he was supporting the opposition those “Senile” accusations and other mudslinging words from Chaps like Field Ruwe can’t be there.Today they want to make the old man look bad because he doesn’t share their political views.This is how low a Zambian can sink.Smh
@Zambano,
Read the article you semi-literate. Do not misinterpret what Ruwe has written. You, Saulosi, Cindy, and those who are on PF payroll to twist stories will not get anywhere. We know who Saulosi is. He actually spends time writing under different alliases.
I think the article is exhorting KK above partisan politics. Yes he can resort to changing like a Chameleon depending on which party is in power or remain above board which is better for him. He is a father of the Nation. He should never go begging any particular party, whether it UPND, MMD that took him out of Power, FDD or indeed NAREP. In short KK is better off beyond these politics of Insults brought about by SATA himself. Those who were old enough in 1989 will understand what I am talking about.
God will NEVER allow HH to be president unless…? Read these bible verses below:
“Ephesians 4:31-32, Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you”. Acts 8:23 ,”For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.”<<<>>>
You quote the Bible exceptionally well only your name is difficult to read if you know what i mean.
@ Cindy those are Zambian names for you & I have no option to alter it as its a taboo against tradition …I should guess you cut short your name from Cindellera to simply Cindy..thnx though
It seems we ve too many mentors pretendng to give best opinion on pipo’s decisions.Why ths rubish?Stay away pipo decide by themselves.
So this joker Ruwe thinks everyone should follow his logic and choice of politicians ? Awe ku Zambia kwaliba ifipooba.Mubemba opusa uyu.
@Daka. You obviously are little learned. In a democracy we are all entitled to our own opinions. You too are entitled to your ignorance and shallow mindedness.
I suggest the author interviews KK for his views before writing this artical
Ruwe should not think if someone does not agree then they are in the wrong this script below demostrates just that: a question is asked:
WHY DID THE CHICKEN CROSS THE ROAD?
* KINDERGARTEN TEACHER: To get to the other side.
* PLATO: For the greater good.
* THE POPE: God knows.
* POLICEMAN: Give me ten minutes with the chicken and I’ll know why.
* ARISTOTLE: It is the nature of chickens to cross roads.
* SADDAM HUSSEIN: This was an unprovoked act of rebellion and we were justified in dropping 50 tons of nerve gas on it.
* CAPTAIN JAMES T. KIRK: To boldly go where no chicken has gone before.
* MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR: I envision a world where all chickens will be free to cross roads without having their motives being called into question.
Ha ha ha.I like this.I completely agree with you.Ruwe is a joke.
Who wrote this article and for whom was it written? Is it a grade 5 writing for a grade two pupil? The lying in the article is so crude that one gets am impression that the one who wrote has some mental problems. The author is contradicting him/herself a lot. Please try something else this can not convince anyone although you are trying very hard to do so. I feel very sorry for you
GMan, education, education. Get back to school. The script is beyond you. Let those who have made an effort to go to college read for you. Your shallowness will leave you where you are.
The author was not weaned by is mother so he is mad. He still needs breast milk from his mother. KK’s heart is stronger than ever because of the involvements at national level. Unlike in the past, he is feeling loved which is good for is old age. Your grandma probably dead (will die) young because of not being loved on account of her old age. Show Love to Old people!
Load of nonsense. Ruwe is trying to protect KK from being overworked. You don’t care about him and his legacy…as long as he supports your party. Lunatics like you must be kept away from blogging.
You will also age one day my dear Ruwe and right then will you will realize how bad it feels to have one`s advise ignored by people around you because they think your advanced age has reduced your mental capacity.
Those who are critizing Ruwe have deliberately chosen to misunderstand what Ruwe is talking about. They want to give the impression Ruwe is after KK, to the contrary. If anything he has exercised enough respect for the old man and feels for him. It is true KK deserves enough rest. If you don’t like what Ruwe has written at least rebutt intelligently and not spewing a lot of garbage.
KK is innocent and does not deserve such humiliation from pipo who really have no respect for even themselves.
Give honor to whom honor is due! KK is the father of our nation, whether wrong or right.
16:13:46 if there’s no news its better u don’t post us anything instead of posting such. Yawning…
RIOT ERUPTS AT INTERCITY BUS TERMINALS. PF HOOLIGANS
Not a ordinary piece of dissertation, but of A Masterpiece of a reminder to any human being in his or her equilibrium! worth treasuring , for a balanced person who love Mother Zambia!
Just an observation! KK is baldhead and the man (SATA) who doesn’t like baldhead is perfectly comfortable. Just wondering what kind of a man we have at plot 1.
Article is well written and KK should be encouraged to remain the father of our Nation and regain what he lost during the early and late 80s which led to his defeat by MMD (78%).- major reasons included economic bankruptcy, ran way inflation, literally all sectors became moribund, the mines almost non-functional and this is what led to privatization to save the country from total collapse. At the time we civil servants (tax payers) paid to maintain the mines(Pumping water to avoid mine flooding).
If he was treated like trash as RB did to him it was going to be a + 2 u. Demon,with yo deception.Ruwe, u are a devil incarnate who can only deceive gullible pipo like dese dat re supporting u.ls kk being forced?l doubt.SATA, HIS CUP IS RUNNING OVER!
YES HIS CUP IS RUNNING OVER WITH BLOOD
The Duty of the ex-president is to support the government of the day, MR KAUNDA is not wrong as long as is supporting the government of day and SATA is the government and big man is happy with him
Former Presidents/primeministers world over are respectable delegates of the government in office. Field Ruwe I enjoyed your nostalgia in paragraph two in your article. You will never convince me and other reasonable Zambians no matter whatever evil you may write about Sata and KK, as long as you are cowardly writing from the safe and distant haven of USA, abusing freedom of speech and being mouth-piece of devil-worshippers/free-masonry. KK is not politicking, neither is he senile yet. He is just a revered Chief Guest at every Govt function. He fought and liberated this nation, he has to be utilized in this particular way. Even when HH(if ever at all) becomes president and KK will be alive, do not blame KK if he renders support to whoever is a sitting President.