KK burial private – Government

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GOVERNMENT has announced that Dr Kenneth Kaunda will be buried privately at the Presidential burial site in Lusaka.

Dr Kaunda who is revered around the world as an African independence struggle icon of the 1950s died on Thursday June 17, aged 97.

He was Zambia’s president from 1964 to 1991.

Following Dr Kaunda’s death, President Edgar Lungu declared 21 days of National Mourning.

Seven of Zambia’s neighbors including South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Botswana and Mozambique have also declared national mourning for Dr Kaunda.

In a national address this morning, Vice-President Inonge Wina said the Government and Dr Kaunda’s family were deeply grateful for the outpouring love and support from not only the Zambian people but also the international community at large.

Vice-President Wina said the country was mourning Dr Kaunda at a “difficult time” when the country was battling the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

She urged citizens to continue adhering to the COVID-19 preventive guidelines while revelaing that Government would put in place

She said it was the wish of Dr Kaunda’s family that his remains be taken around all the provinces of the country and the Government had agreed.

The first of the 10 trips will be to Choma on Wednesday July 23 and will conclude with Lusaka on Monday July 5, 2021.

She said each while there will be no physical body viewing for Dr Kaunda, each Province will have a brief church service and as well route lining where the military will drive Dr Kaunda’s remains on designated routes and will be broadcast live on television  and other social media platforms.

“In order to control anticipated crowds, the military will Control these provincial programs to ensure orderliness and adherence to COVID-19 measures” Wina said.

She said Government had set Friday July 2, 2021 as day to accord Dr Kaunda ceremonial state funeral at the Heroes Stadium to be attended by international mourners and dignitaries.

She said the Government will ensure the strictest adherence to COVID-19 measures by firmly restricting the attendance to Heads of State to be accompanied by one official.

His Excellency Dr Kenneth Kaunda shall be put to rest at the presidential burial site on Wednesday 7th July 2021 at a very private ceremony for family and selected invited mourners only,” she said.

This will be broadcast live on television, radio and social media to allow Zambians and the international community follow proceedings, added Wina.

©Kalemba June 21, 2021

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