A Nation Mourns, His Excellency Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, First President of the Republic of Zambia

Remarks by His Excellency Dr Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia during his visit to the residence of the Founding Father and first president of the Republic of Zambia, His Excellency Dr Kenneth David Kaunda, on Friday, 18th June 2021.

Dearest members of the family, fellow mourners, a dark day has befallen our nation!

Yesterday, we learnt of the passing of our beloved Founding Father, our first President, His Excellency Dr Kenneth David Kaunda. On behalf of the government and the people of our great country, please accept my deepest and heartfelt condolences.

The untimely passing of Dr Kaunda is a great loss not only to you as his family, but to the entire Nation, the southern African region, the African Continent and indeed the world at large. It is simply not possible to put in words just how we all feel at this time!

Dr Kaunda epitomises the very existence of our Country and of us as a nation. No one can speak about Zambia without recognising the foundational role that he played in our statehood.

We are all well aware that for our founding father, it was not enough for his country, Zambia, to be liberated when the region and the African continent, remained bonded in the shackles of colonialism and apartheid. He soldiered on to seek freedom for humanity.

Today we mourn an iconic pan-Africanist and global statesman, who was selfless, seeing the goodness in others first, before himself. The ideals of humanism, which were founded upon his strong Christian faith and values, defined his leadership qualities and the vision that he embodied for Zambia, the African continent and the world at large.

His exemplary statesmanship, as steadfast and unwavering as he was renowned, gained him International stature as he projected his noble ideals on the international stage while seeking the best for mankind.

To my fellow Zambians, the passing of our beloved KK should ignite in us all, the resolve to hold firmly, to forever embrace the “One Zambia One Nation” slogan, as a basis upon which we forge ahead as a nation, even in these trying times in which we find ourselves.

Let us keep KK alive in our hearts and our deeds. Let the life led by KK shape our destiny and remain indelible in our identity as a people. May the good lord our god bless our country as we mourn this giant, this great son of the African soil!

Join us in celebrating the Wonderful that he led – Share your condolences here.

It is with deep regret and sorrow that is Excellency Dr. Edgar Chagwa Lungu, President of the Republic of Zambia, announces to the nation and the international community the passing of our beloved founding Father, icon and global statesman, His Excellency Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, First President of the Republic of Zambia.

– Secretary to Cabinet Dr. Simon Miti