Zambia’s Founding Hero Kaunda Buried After Court Rejects Family’s Appeal

Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s founding president has been laid to rest at a memorial site for former presidents after the High Court rejected an application from one of his sons contesting where he should be buried.

A hero in the struggle for southern Africa’s liberation from colonialism, Kaunda was accorded full military honours in a funeral that brought together rival political parties and dignitaries from the region.

Kaunda died last month, aged 97.

His wreath-laden casket was lowered into the grave to a gun salute, a fly-past and then a bugle call.

Earlier President Edgar Lungu led family members and politicians at a final church service.

While Kaunda is recognised for building a peaceful nation, in death his own family was divided over his final resting place.

Some boycotted the burial in protest.

According to them, he had wanted to be buried not among former presidents but at his farm next to his wife.

A court denied the wish citing public interest. However, reports suggest he could be exhumed and reburied at a later date.

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