President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia died at the age of 97 as he was admitted in the hospital a few days ago because he was being treated for Pneumonia. He was also known as the liberation hero. He was admitted to the military hospital in the capital, Lusaka. He ruled Zambia from 1964, when the Southern African nation won its independence from Britain, until 1991, and afterwards became one of the most committed activists against HIV/AIDS in Africa.
Authorities declared a 21 day mourning period. Kaunda’s son said “I am sad to inform [members] we have lost Mzee [the old man]. Let’s pray for him.” President Edgar Lungu said in a message that “On behalf of the entire nation and on my own behalf, I pray that the entire Kaunda family is comforted as we mourn our first president and true African icon.”
Data source: Al Jazeera