Global leaders have been sending their tributes in mourning Zambia’s founding President Kenneth Kaunda who died on Thursday.

He was 97.

Reverend Jesse Jackson said Zambia and Africa have lost a champion of freedom and that he has have lost a true friend in Dr. Kaunda.

“He fought apartheid and colonialism to safe humanity. A freedom fighter!!! RIP Comrade KK!”

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was saddened at the passing on of Dr Kaunda.

“Saddened to learn of the death of Kenneth Kaunda. We send our deepest condolences and our thoughts are with the people of Zambia at this difficult time,” Mr Johnson said in a tweet.

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab extended the UK’s condolences following the death of Dr. Kaunda describing him as a defining figure in Zambia’s independence movement.

“The UK Government extends its sincere condolences to the people of the Republic of Zambia on the death of former President Kenneth Kaunda. Dr Kaunda was the defining figure in Zambia’s independence movement and laid the successful foundations of your nation, through his leadership, vision, and famous mantra ‘One Zambia One Nation’. He was greatly admired too as a staunch activist against apartheid and a campaigner to address HIV/AIDS.”

“Our thoughts are with his family and the people of Zambia at this time of mourning,” he said in a statement.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also described Dr Kaunda as a pioneering champion of a decolonised, united and prosperous Africa.

“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,” he said in a statement.

“We are united in our sadness with the people of our region and continent, to whom Kenneth Kaunda’s leadership was a source of inspiration and resilience. President Kaunda dedicated his 97 long years to the liberation and service of the people of Zambia.”

President Ramaphosa said Dr Kaunda devoted himself and the Zambian people to supporting liberation movements around the region in their quest for independence and freedom.

“Steadfast against the intimidation of the apartheid state, he offered Lusaka as the headquarters of the African National Congress in exile. Under his leadership, Zambia provided refuge, care and support to liberation fighters who had been forced to flee the countries of their birth,” he said.

“He stood alongside the people of South Africa at the time of our greatest need and was unwavering in his desire for the achievement of our freedom. It was in honour of this remarkable contribution that the South African government bestowed on President Kaunda the Order of the Companions of OR Tambo in 2002.”

“Today we recommit ourselves to building the Africa of KK’s vision – an Africa of peace, justice, prosperity and innovation. President Kaunda was at our side to comfort us when we lost our leaders. We remember his moving tribute as we laid Madiba to rest in Qunu.”

“Today, we place ourselves alongside Kenneth Kaunda’s family and the Zambian nation as they mourn this deep loss. As the South African nation, we will never be able to repay the debt of gratitude that we owe to President Kaunda. Nor will we ever forget that it was with the help of this extraordinary leader’s care and solidarity that our freedom and our democracy was won. May his soul rest in peace.”

Zimbabwean President Emerson Mnangagwa described Dr Kaunda as a leader and a liberator.

“I wish to convey our deepest condolences to the Kaunda family on the passing of HE Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, a liberator and leader, and the first president of an independent Zambia. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family & the people of Zambia at this time.”

Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete said he received the news of the passing on of former President Kenneth Kaunda (KK) with shock and a deep sense of sadness and sorrow.

“I convey my heartfelt condolence and sympathies to Your Excellency President Edgar Lungu, KK’s family and the friendly people of Zambia.”

President of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki said, “It is with an indescribable sense of loss that the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat learnt of the passing of H. E. Kenneth Kaunda, the first president of the Republic of Zambia and one of the Founding Fathers of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).”

“Africa has lost one of its finest sons. He embodied the true sense of Pan-Africanism, placing his own country Zambia at grave risk in order to provide safe harbour for the liberation movements of Southern Africa as well as its peoples.”

“His championing of the Frontline States to defeat Apartheid and white minority rule in Southern Africa laid the foundation for what we call regional integration today.”

He said the African Union stands in solidarity with the Kaunda family, the people and the Government of the Republic of Zambia in mourn and honouring the life of a freedom fighter, statesman, visionary and liberation struggle icon.”

Bostwana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi who has since declared a seven day period of mourning in his country described Dr Kaunda as Bostwana’s best friend.

“I have learnt of the demise of Dr. Kenneth Kaunda the founding father of the Republic of Zambia, a great statesman, and African leader. Dr Kaunda’s death is a loss to his compatriots in Zambia, their friends in Botswana, and the continent of Africa. Dr. Kaunda was Botswana’s best friend and together with the likes of Sir Seretse Khama, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere championed the liberation and independence of our region.”

“We send our condolences to the people of Zambia during this trying time. In honour of this great son of the soil, I have declared a seven-day mourning period in Botswana during which all flags shall fly at half-mast.”

Zimbabwe’s opposition leader Nelson Chamisa wrote, “A key African liberation visionary, a stalwart on whose shoulders we all stand. A model of what one nation can do to birth & benefit all. You fought great.Your legacy is our call of duty! On behalf of the New Africa,RIP Our KK, Father Africa. One Africa,One people!”

In Uganda, opposition leader Bobbi Wine wrote, “I join all freedom-loving people in mourning Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s founding President. He’s been one of the continent’s few surviving independence heroes.
I send sympathies to the people of Zambia and the family of the deceased statesman. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

President Edgar Lungu has declared 21 days of national mourning in honor of first Republican President Dr. Kenneth Kaunda who died this afternoon in Lusaka.

Secretary to Cabinet Dr. Simon Miti on behalf of President Edgar Lungu announced that Dr. Kenneth Kaunda died this afternoon at 14:30 hours.

“It is with deep regret and sorrow that I announce to the nation and the international community the passing of our beloved founding father, icon, and global statesman Kenneth Kaunda, First President of Zambia,” President Lungu stated in a statement.

In honor of the late First President, President Lungu has since declared 21 days of national mourning.

He explained that during the 21 days period, all activities of entertainment nature will be suspended with immediate effect and that all flags should fly at half-mast.

“Government through the Cabinet Office will guide on the details of the funeral and burial programme,” he said.

He indicated that the funeral processions will take into account and in consideration of the COVID-19 guidelines as prescribed by the Ministry of Health.

“On behalf of government and the people of Zambia, President Lungu sends a message of condolences to the bereaved family of the late Dr. Kaunda,” Dr Miti stated.

Dr. Kaunda was receiving medical attention and admitted at Maina Soko Medical Centre on June 14, 2021.

In the 1950s, Dr Kaunda was a key figure in Zambia’s struggle for independence in what was then Northern Rhodesia’s independence movement from Britain and became president following independence in 1964.

As leader of the United National Independence Party (UNIP), Dr Kaunda then led the country for 27 years and stepped down after losing the 1991 elections to the late second President, Fredrick Chiluba of the Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD).

Popularly known as KK, was a strong supporter of efforts to end apartheid in South Africa and was also a leading supporter of liberation movements in Mozambique and what is now called Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Zambia has joined the Zambian people and the international community in mourning the passing of First Republican President Kenneth Kaunda.

This is according to a statement that the US Embassy in Zambia issued to ZANIS in Lusaka this evening.

“President Kaunda is known to the Zambian people as the Founding Father of the Republic of Zambia. He was steadfast in uniting Zambia’s 73 tribes through his commitment to “One Zambia, One Nation.” He advocated against discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS and was a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized,” the statement added.

“We extend to his family and the people of Zambia our condolences. We honor his memory and his service to the people of Zambia and across Africa. We mourn his passing. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” reads the statement.

Zambia’s first Republican President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda has passed away, his son Kambarange Kaunda confirmed.
“…I’m sad to inform, we have lost “Mzee”.Let’s pray for him…” Kambarange said.

Dr.Kaunda was 97 years old. He was admitted to the Maina Soko Military hospital earlier this week.

Dr.Kenneth Kaunda was first the President of Zambia from 1964 to 1991. He was at the forefront of the struggle for independence from British rule and one of the pioneer leaders of a new Africa, as countries threw off colonialism in favour of independent statehood. Dissatisfied with Harry Nkumbula’s leadership of the Northern Rhodesian African National Congress, he broke away and founded the Zambian African National Congress, later becoming the head of the United National Independence Party (UNIP) to become the first President of Independent Zambia at the age of 40.

Music had been a life-long passion for Kenneth Kaunda from the time he was a teenager in Chinsali when he discovered the guitar.On his lonely assignments to drum up support for independence, the lanky young man spotting a Zonk-hair cut would ride long distances with a guitar slung across his shoulder. He would hold meetings and sing to his audience his own compositions.When he ascended to power, it was a common feature to see him strum his guitar singing a patriotic song or a love to song dedicated to his late wife Betty. A song Zambians will fondly remember Dr.Kaunda by is “Tiyende Pamodzi nimu ntima umo” which is a song of unity.

In a statement UPND President Hakainde Hichilema said 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.

President Edgar Lungu says he gives prominence to the role agriculture plays in the country’s economy.

“Kaoma District in Western Province is unique in contributing to the food basket of Western Province and the country in general,” he said.

President Lungu stated that he was touched by the commitment towards the growth of the agricultural sector by traditional leaders in Kaoma, Western Province and the country at large.

“I urge citizens to emulate the traditional leaders like you Your Royal Highnesses and I further promise that I will support you all,” he said.

President Lungu explained that the PF Government had continued making a favourable environment for business to thrive which resulted in increasing the maize floor price from K110 to K150 per 50 kilogram bag of maize.

“I call on citizens to diversify the sector by growing other agricultural products such as wheat, soya beans and cassava so that we become more enterprising,” the Head of State said.

He was speaking during a courtesy call on traditional leaders in Kaoma District, Western Province, today, before proceeding to the flagging off of the 2021 National Food Reserve Agency (FRA) crop purchasing programme.

Meanwhile, President Lungu said political campaign dynamics had totally changed in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic which had claimed many lives.

“Your Royal Highnesses, political leaders need to be decisive as they risk losing the very people that would vote for them and who will they rule? I further urge you, our Royal Highnesses, to use your influence to promote peace among political parties as opposed to violence which has recently characterized the Zambian political landscape,” he said.
President Lungu said he consistently called for peace by emulating the One Zambia One Nation motto.

And Chief Mwenemutondo praised President Lungu for his commitment to the improvement of the agricultural sector in Zambia and Kaoma in particular.

“Farmers in Kaoma have performed beyond expectation and no other government has shown commitment to the agriculture sector like the PF has done,” he said.

Chief Mwenemutondo said all farming inputs were already in place way before kicking off the next farming season.

“There is no room for any farmer to fail because farming inputs were delivered on time and I personally have taken a lead in producing more food to donate as opposed to me receiving from my subjects because of the favourable PF agricultural policies,” he said.