President William Ruto has led the country in mourning the passing of former Zambian President Edgar Lungu, who died on the morning of Thursday, June 5.
In a heartfelt message shared on X (formerly Twitter), President Ruto remembered Lungu as a dedicated and passionate leader who gave his all to serve the people of Zambia.
He extended his condolences to Lungu’s family and the people of Zambia, expressing Kenya’s solidarity during this moment of national loss.
At the time of his death, Edgar Lungu was 68 years old and undergoing specialised medical treatment in South Africa. According to his political party, the Patriotic Front (PF), Lungu had been under constant medical observation in recent weeks.
His daughter confirmed the news through a short video shared with supporters, stating that he passed away at around 6:00 am in Pretoria, the South African capital, where he had been receiving treatment at a private clinic. She paid tribute to her late father by invoking the famous Zambian motto:
“In this moment of grief, we invoke the spirit of ‘One Zambia, One Nation’ – the timeless creed that guided President Lungu’s leadership.”
While the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed, it is known that Lungu had suffered from a narrowing of the oesophagus, a condition that required surgery over a decade ago. Since then, he had faced recurring health challenges.
Edgar Lungu served as Zambia’s president from 2015 to 2021. He came into office after the death of his predecessor Michael Sata, and won re-election in 2016. However, in the 2021 general elections, he lost to President Hakainde Hichilema, marking a peaceful democratic transition.
Following his electoral defeat, Lungu briefly retreated from active politics.
However, he returned as a vocal critic of the Hichilema administration and was considered a potential candidate for the 2026 election—until the Zambian Constitutional Court ruled in 2024 that he had already served two full terms, disqualifying him from running again.
Lungu’s time in office was a mixed legacy. While some praised his efforts in infrastructure development and economic programs, his administration was often criticised for:
- Corruption scandals
- Suppression of political opponents
- Intimidation of the media and civil society
These controversies left a dent in his record and contributed to the landslide victory of his success
Kenya’s leadership joined other African countries in paying tribute to the former president. President Ruto’s message was echoed by many regional leaders who recognised Lungu’s contributions to African unity and leadership despite the challenges of his presidency.
The Zambian government is expected to release official funeral arrangements in the coming days. Lungu leaves behind a grieving nation, a family, and a political legacy that continues to stir debate.
President Edgar Lungu’s passing marks the end of a significant era in Zambian politics. While his tenure was marked by both progress and controversy, many remember him as a man deeply committed to his country.
His sudden death has shocked many across the continent, including Kenyans, who now stand in solidarity with Zambia as they mourn a former head of state.
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