Zambia launches Kaunda photo exhibition as he turns 90

Former Zambia president Kenneth Kaunda arriving at JKIA for the Inauguration ceremony on April 8, 2013. Zambia’s National Museum has launched a photography exhibition on founding father and former president Kenneth Kaunda ahead of his 90th birthday to be celebrated on April 28. PHOTO/FILE

What you need to know:

  • Dr Kaunda led Zambia to independence from Britain in 1964 and is one of the few members among his contemporaries surviving.

LUSAKA,

Zambia’s National Museum has launched a photography exhibition on founding father and former president Kenneth Kaunda ahead of his 90th birthday to be celebrated on April 28.

Kaunda’s birthday coincides with Zambia’s commemoration of the Golden jubilee this year.

Dr Kaunda led Zambia to independence from Britain in 1964 and is one of the few members among his contemporaries surviving.

“We thought the exhibition will make people to see where Super Ken (fondly referred to) is coming from,” said KK @ 90 organising committee chairman David Kombe. “His life as a father, leader and statesman. The photos are from his life a young man to the time he became President of Zambia.”

At the ceremony, Dr Kaunda said: “I’m humbled by this gesture.”

“This exhibition makes me reflect about where I came from and where I’m today...the decisions that have affected my life.” Dr Kaunda ruled Zambia for 27 years from independence in 1964.

While in power he hosted many groups fighting for independence, especially those from the southern African region.

He ascended to power as a popular leader, but commentators say he became increasingly autocratic, before ceding power in the first multi-party elections in 1991 won by Frederick Chiluba.

At some point he regained stature as one of Africa’s political giants, helping mediate in political standoffs in Zimbabwe and Kenya.

Dr Kaunda is now famous in his country for his anti-Aids campaign.