November 12, 2014 - Today's News In Gazetikenya

Big turnout at Sata’s funeral

TRANSITION | Flags have been flying at half mast while radio stations played solemn music

Thousands of Zambians turned up today for the state funeral of President Michael Sata at the 50,000 capacity National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. Several African leaders flew in for Sata’s requiem mass which was led by Lusaka Archbishop Telesphore Mpundu. Mr Sata, 77, who died in a London Hospital on October 28 was a devout Catholic. His burial day was declared a national holiday and most streets looked deserted as locals were glued to their television screens and some to designated public places watching the procession.

The arrival of Zimbabwean leader Robert Mugabe and President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta, who joined the mourners at the stadium, attracted huge applause and whistles, most likely as a show of appreciation. The leaders viewed Sata’s body at State House on Monday ahead of burial today [Tuesday]. Speaking during Mass, Archbishop Mpundu said Sata was a “visionary, skillful and fearless nationalist.” “He [Sata] was the most experienced politician to have entered State House,” he said. “He was charismatic, humble, frank and vicious friend of the poor. Sata was a workaholic.

The PF leader was maligned and persecuted as an opposition leader but even that continued in State House.” And Archbishop Mpundu cautioned politicians against tribal politics. “Keep us united by not campaigning on tribal lines but ideas that will move the nation forward,” said Archbishop Mpundu. “Let ideas fight for you and denounce any form of violence. We the church leaders are challenging civic leaders to prepare for a free and fair election that will respect the will of the people.” Sata’s widow, Christine, said “the pain was so acute that it blurred her efforts to find words to describe the loss a bright star and fallen hero.”

Catholic nuncio for Malawi and Zambia Julio Murat also read a statement of condolence from Pope Francis. Sata ruled Zambia for three years, but had become frail the last six months of his days in power, despite government insistence he was “well and active”. AU chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma called on Zambia to ensure a smooth transition and maintain peace and stability. “Never take peace for granted. Zambia is known as an Oasis of peace, do everything possible to guard it.” And Zimbabwean leader Mugabe, also SADC chairperson, said he brought the deepest sorrow Zimbabweans could ever express over the loss of President Sata. “...

Sata was not only your man, he was also our man.” Zambia and Zimbabwe are Siamese twins held together by the Zambezi River as a umbilical cord, he said. Zambia interim leader Guy Scott said anything he knew about politics he learnt from President Michael Sata who was ‘‘my teacher” and friend. “My job now is making sure you have a new President in less than 80 days, ensure we maintain peace and develop. [Political] parties will float their candidate and you’re going to have the best candidate.” He said he will perform his transition duty with maximum dedication. Zambians had been in the past week been viewing the body of Sata, lying in state at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre to pay their last respects in the 14 days of national mourning. Sata,like Levy Mwanawasa in 2008, died while in office. Flags are flying at half-mast and radio and TV stations are playing solemn music.

Gazeti Kenya

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