President Michael Sata sings the national anthem after a rally at Chama district market where he went to drum up support for the PF candidate January Zimba ahead of this week’s Chama North by-elections – Picture by Joseph Mwenda
On Tuesday night, Zambian President Michael Sata (pictured) died at a London hospital at the age of 77, reports CNN.
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Last week, President Sata traveled to Europe for treatment for an undisclosed illness.
But according to Zambian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Permanent Secretary George Zulu, while some government officials, such as himself, were aware that the President was ill, they never suspected that he was sick enough to die, “It’s shocking, it’s devastating, because I knew he was sick. But I did not know it was going to end this way.”
In his remarks, Zulu went on to describe President Sata’s commitment to his people, saying, “[We] lost a man who devoted his whole life to his country.”
And the Zambian reaction to President Sata’s death largely echoes Zulu’s sentiments, with some blaming themselves and fellow Zambians for his passing.
On Wednesday morning, Nostradamus wrote:
“Zambians need blame themselves for not putting more effort in prayers. Imagine all those Pastors and priests, some are even political leaders, they never gathered to join prayers and save a life.
I have always said, I miss Ba Sata so baddddddy!.
Whom are we going to joke with… who? What a politician he was…”
“I am completely heartbroken numb and I feel no need to go anywhere.
This is the saddest day of both mine and the country at large.
Thank you all for your sympathiesThis country may never recover from this catastrophe
Thanks”
“With every challenge comes an opportunity. God will raise another leader for the great nation of Zambia! Will miss you Man of Action! May your Soul find favor in the eyes of the Almighty God! Till we meet again Sir ! Semper fidelis!!”
“I am saddened on the death of our 2nd sitting President. At the Same time disgusted that 50 years of independence? we still could not manage this properly. It was evident that the President was sick, but selfish & dull leadership we have always pretended like all was well.
We would have asked him to step down to rest on medical grounds. Really sad for him that he was never given a chance to rest. Rest in peace Sata.
Young Zambians: It’s time we asked for answers. This should force VP and other government officials to resign. They are full of lies so we cant trust them. GENERAL MIYANDA was right to call them “Government of liars”
After running four times for the head of state post, “King Cobra,” as he was affectionately called, became Zambia’s fifth president on September 23, 2011, defeating incumbent Rupiah Banda.
With President Sata’s passing, Vice President Guy Scott is serving as acting president, according to Roland Msiska, Zambian Cabinet secretary.
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