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Kunda's death is heartbreaking - Sata

Kunda's death is heartbreaking - Sata
By Kombe Chimpinde
Wed 18 Apr. 2012, 13:30 CAT

PRESIDENT Michael Sata has described the death of George Kunda as heartbreaking. And President Sata has declared three days of national mourning in honour of the late former Republican vice-president Kunda.

President Sata said he was deeply saddened at the passing of Muchinga MMD member of parliament Kunda SC at UTH on Monday. In his letter of condolences to Kunda's widow Irene, President Sata described the former vice-president's death as heartbreaking.

"It is with deep sorrow and grief that I learnt of the death of your dear husband Mr George Kunda SC, the former Republican vice-president of Zambia," read President Sata's letter to Irene in part.

"On behalf of the government and the people of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, I extend my highest and sincere condolences to you, the children and the Movement for Multi Party Democracy (MMD) for this painful loss."

President Sata, in a statement released by State House special assistant to the president for press and public relations George Chellah, said that it was indeed tragic that the nation had lost yet another leader who served the country in various distinguished portfolios.

"Mr Kunda's works as a lawyer for Luanshya District Council, as president of the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ), as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and as Member of Parliament for Muchinga Constituency and Republican vice-president have undeniably helped in strengthening our country's political and economic capabilities," President Sata stated.

"No doubt, the Zambian populace feel deeply sorry for the loss of a national leader of Mr Kunda's stature and public service credentials, and share your family's grief."

President Sata described the late former vice-president as a resolved politician.

"I remember Mr Kunda from the early days of his career as a determined young lawyer at Luanshya District Council as well as his later days as a resolved politician who was never shy or afraid to exercise his democratic right to debate and devotedly defend his stance on many key national issues. Thereby enhancing and safeguarding our country's democracy, which we all cherish dearly," the President stated.

"And more recently, I last met Mr Kunda at State House when he accorded me the respect of accepting my invitation to join us for a luncheon hosted in honour of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Mr Ban Ki Moon when he visited the country in February this year. Therefore, in recognition of Mr Kunda's contribution to this country, I have declared three days of national mourning with effect from Wednesday 18th April to 20th April, 2012, so that we can come together as a people in prayerful reflection and mourn our dear departed colleague with honour and dignity."

President Sata prayed that the Kunda family takes comfort and solace in the understanding that the entire nation's thoughts and prayers are with them during this devastating and excruciating period.

And Kunda is expected to be buried at Embassy Park in Lusaka.

According to Secretary to the Cabinet Evans Chibiliti, the mourning period will run from Wednesday April 18 to Friday April 20 , 2012.

"The body of George Kunda, SC, MP, who died in the University Teaching Hospital will lie in state for two days starting from Wednesday, 18th to Thursday, 19th April, 2012 at Mulungushi International Conference, to accord time to members of the public to pay their last respects," he stated.

Chibiliti stated that the burial of Kunda will be preceded by a valedictory session at the High Court in Lusaka before a requiem Mass at the Catholic Cathedral of the Child Jesus in Longacres in Lusaka.

And Howard, who is family spokesperson and Kunda's first born child, confirmed the funeral programme in an interview.

"He has been accorded a state funeral. National mourning begins today up to Friday when he will be put to rest at Embassy Park in Lusaka," Howard said.

A check found family friends and government officials coming and leaving the house of mourning situated in New Kasama.

Several senior government officials visited the house of mourning.

MMD spokesperson Dora Siliya announced that all party functions had been suspended during the period of mourning.

Council of Churches in Zambia secretary general Suzanne Matale said the country had lost a leader that was in the frontlines when it came to the issue of offering checks and balances to the government.

She prayed for God's comfort among the family members as the family endures this trying moment.

And Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) president James Banda said the association was saddened by Kunda's death, who was once president of the association.

"George Kunda was a very senior member of the Zambian bar and held in high esteem by the legal profession. He served as president of the Law Association of Zambia and his tenure was instrumental in the formation of the SADC Lawyers Association," he said.

Banda hailed Kunda's skillful research methods and his forceful arguments in court which lawyers would remember him for.

Labels: GEORGE KUNDA, HYPOCRISY, MICHAEL SATA

posted by MrK @ 4:47 PM