This archive report was first published on 2 July 2021.
On July 2, 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived in Lusaka, Zambia, to attend the state funeral of the country's first president, Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda.
Dr. Kaunda, who passed away on June 17, 2021, at the age of 97, was a key figure in Zambia's struggle for independence from British rule and served as president from 1964 to 1991.
Before attending the funeral, President Kenyatta had been on a two-day official visit to France, where he held bilateral talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
At the funeral, President Kenyatta was accompanied by State House Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita and was joined by other African leaders, including former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete, Namibia's President Hage Geingob, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.
President Kenyatta had previously sent a message of condolence to Zambian President Edgar Lungu, describing Dr. Kaunda as an outstanding statesman and Pan-Africanist.
“Former President Kaunda was a great leader full of wisdom who remained actively engaged in promoting the interests of the African continent for many years after leaving office,” President Kenyatta said.
Dr. Kaunda was also remembered for his iconic white handkerchief, which he carried throughout his life as a symbol of love and peace.
