Government declares three days of national mourning for Kaunda

By Tafadzwa Chigandiwa

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared a three day national mourning period in honour of the late Zambian founding president, Kenneth Kaunda.

Kaunda, independent Zambia’s first president died Thursday aged 97.

He reportedly succumbed to pneumonia at Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka where he had been admitted.

In a statement, the government said the mourning period begins today, Friday until Sunday and all national flags must fly at half mast.

“Following the demise our Region’s last surviving Elder Statesman leader of the frontline statesin the struggle against colonialism and founding president of the Sister Republic of Zambia, government of Zimbabwe has decided to declare three days of national mourning in honour of the dear departed.

“For the duration of these three days of mourning that started Friday 18th June 2021, flags will fly at half must through out the country,” reads the statement.

Government also urged all religious organisations to pray for the late president and prominent Roman Catholic priest, Father Emmanuel Ribeiro who also passed on yesterday.

Father Ribeiro died aged 86 at St Annes hospital in Harare.

“Government further encourages all religious organisations pray for the late president and for Father Emmanuel Ribeiro who also passed on yesterday.”