The famous politician is aged 85 and gave up the ghost after series of torture from colon cancer. Zambians and Africans as a whole has received the news in shock. His close political allies, friends, and family have expressed sadness across various social media platforms.
Reacting to the death of Rupiah Banda, the current president of the country hailed the Patriot and commended his services to both Zambia and Africa.
“His life of service to our country, and to our continent, represents the highest form of patriotism,” President Hakainde Hichilema said.
The late President didn’t struggle for the country’s highest hierarchy of power. The former diplomat served as the vice-president to President Levy Mwanawasa. In 2008, tragedy befell the President as he was killed as a result of the stroke his body was nursing.
This gave Rupiah Banda a one-way ticket for the office of the presidency. The late diplomatic leader became the leader of Zambia; becoming the fourth democratic president in the country.
In a few months time, he later won his first election and assumed office fully. However, the former Zambia leader was defeated in the 2011 general election and peacefully stepped down for Michael Sata to take over.
He did not challenge the result hence received lots of praises and accolades from many political players and individuals.
However, as with most African leaders, the late President was not free from corrupt allegations. Having been prone to several allegations during his tenure as leader, the former political player was arrested in 2013 for an accusation which claimed he looted millions of dollars meant for the development of Zambia.
Rupiah Banda was not convicted as he denied doing such thing. The former Zambian leader further described the accusation as part of a “witch hunt.”
Nevertheless, Today, Zambian, African, and the World mourns the former president for his patriotic deeds for his country and to Africa at large.
