President William Ruto has led the Kenyan nation in mourning the death of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who passed away on Thursday, June 5.
President Ruto shared a heartfelt tribute through his official X account, honouring Lungu as a dedicated leader who served the people of Zambia with passion and unwavering commitment.
In his message, President Ruto expressed deep sympathy and extended Kenya’s condolences to the Zambian people and Lungu’s family.
“Our condolences to the family and the people of Zambia for the untimely death of Former President Edgar Lungu,” read part of the president’s statement.
He went on to describe Lungu as “a progressive and outstanding leader” who always prioritised the welfare of his citizens. “President Lungu was a progressive and outstanding leader who served the people of Zambia with zeal and commitment.
May God grant the people of Zambia strength and comfort during this painful time. Rest In Peace,” the statement concluded.
At the time of his death, Edgar Lungu was 68 years old and had been receiving specialised medical treatment in South Africa.
His political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), confirmed that he had been undergoing care at a clinic in Pretoria, South Africa’s capital, where he died early in the morning at 6:00 am. The specific illness he was suffering from was not made public.
In a video tribute, Lungu’s daughter revealed that the former president had been under close medical observation for several weeks before his death. She emotionally reflected on his dedication to national unity and leadership.
“In this moment of grief, we invoke the spirit of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ – the timeless creed that guided President Lungu’s service to our country,” she stated.
Although the cause of death was not officially announced, Edgar Lungu had experienced health challenges in the past.
Around ten years ago, he underwent throat surgery abroad after being diagnosed with a condition known as esophageal stricture, a narrowing of the esophagus that affects swallowing.
Lungu served as Zambia’s president from 2015 until 2021. He came into office following the death of his predecessor, Michael Sata. However, in the 2021 general elections, he lost the presidency to Hakainde Hichilema by a significant margin.
Following his defeat, Lungu briefly stepped away from the political scene but later re-emerged as a strong opposition voice, openly criticising President Hichilema’s administration.
In 2024, Edgar Lungu had shown clear intentions of running for office again. However, the Constitutional Court barred him from contesting, ruling that he had already served the two presidential terms permitted under the law.
During his six-year rule, Lungu’s leadership faced serious criticisms. His time in office was overshadowed by numerous controversies, including widespread corruption allegations and the use of state power to intimidate opposition figures and suppress dissent.
Despite the controversies, his death has been met with mourning across the continent, with leaders and citizens alike recognising his contributions and paying their respects.
His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in Zambia’s political history, and tributes continue to pour in as the nation prepares to honour his memory.
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