Kaonde chiefs mourn Rupiah Banda
Written by MRadio on March 18, 2022
TRADITIONAL leaders in North-Western Province have continued to mourn and send their condolences to the family of fourth Republican President, Rupiah Banda and the rest of the nation following his death.
The traditional leaders said the nation has lost a great leader who was not just a unifier but a humble individual.
Senior Chief Mukumbi Ibaloli of the Kaonde people said he received the message of the death of Mr Banda with great shock as he was not only a Head of State to him but a personal friend.
“We have lost a gallant, statesman and his picture will forever remain in our hearts,” he said.
The traditional leaders said this in separate statements yesterday.
And Chief Mumena of the Kaonde people in Kalumbila described the former President as a humble leader who treasured consulting people before any decisions were made.
Chief Mumena said he remembers Mr Banda for his support and consulting spirit on cultural and traditional matters when he served as chairperson of the house of chiefs. “He always consulted me on traditional matters when I was house of chiefs’ chairperson,” he said.
The traditional leader added that Mr Banda ruled the nation with love and dignity which he said should be upheld and embraced by every well-meaning citizen.
Chief Mumena said former President Banda treasured peace as evidenced by the critical role he played in ensuring a peaceful transition of power from former President Edgar Lungu to the current President Mr Hakainde Hichilema following his declaration as winner of the August 12, 2021 general elections.
The traditional leader has since conveyed his heartfelt condolences to former first lady Thandiwe Banda and the Republican President Mr Hakainde Hichilema on the demise of Mr Banda. – ZANIS
