By MICHAEL MIYOBA
JULY 7th will go down in history as the day President Edgar Lungu led mourners as Zambia’s founding father and first President Dr Kenneth Kaunda was put to rest at the Embassy Park presidential burial site in Lusaka yesterday.
Dr. Kaunda’s burial came after confusion erupted a day before when some members of his family requested that he be buried next to his late wife, Betty, at his State Lodge residence.
Dr Kaunda died on June 17 at Maina Soko Medical Centre in Lusaka and was honoured with 21 days of national mourning by President Lungu.
The President led mourners in laying wreaths on Dr Kaunda’s tomb located just in front of Cabinet Office after the state funeral church service held at the Anglican Cathedral of the Holy Cross.
After a 21-gun salute fired in his honour, Dr Kaunda’s children led by Colonel Panji Kaunda laid their wreaths before President Lungu and first lady, Esther Lungu laid their wreaths.
Mozambican former president Joaquim Alberto Chissano who ruled Mozambique from 1986 to 2005 laid his wreath.
He was followed by the country’s former vice presidents.
Church leaders and opposition political party leaders are among notable individuals who also laid their wreaths before Dr Kaunda’s grandchildren and great grandchildren.
After laying wreaths, Dr Kaunda’s grandchildren unveiled the uniquely designed tombstone which has an Eagle painted with copper with the message “One Zambia One Nation.”
After leading mourners in laying wreaths, President Lungu then presented the Zambia National Flag to Dr Kaunda’s son Col Kaunda before the defence force choir sang Dr Kaunda’s favourite song “Tiyende Pamozi Namutima Umozi” as mourners waved their white cloths.
Before his departure, President Lungu greeted all the opposition political party leaders who included UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema, with whom he shared a few words.
Meanwhile, family representative, Mr Siyanga Shimabale has hailed Government for giving Dr Kaunda a befitting send off.
Meanwhile Dr. Kaunda’s first born son Panji Kaunda said that today is not a day to mourn but to celebrate the life of his late father with laughter and peace.
Retired Colonel Kaunda said his father was a symbol of peace hence the reason why the nation has not reported any acts of violence since his demise.
“Since he died, there has been less violence, people have calmed down, and they are at peace. From now onwards, we move together as one Zambia one Nation,” he said.
Rtd. Col. Kaunda also urged all political party leaders to counsel their supporters against violence and encourage them to embrace peace and unity.
He further assured the Head of State and the nation that his family is mourning as one and remains united adding that there are no divisions among them.
