Zambia's first president Kenneth Kaunda dies at age 97

Zambia’s first president Kenneth Kaunda has died at the age of 97, the country's president Edward Lungu announced Thursday evening

LUSAKA, Zambia -- Zambia's first president Kenneth Kaunda has died at the age of 97, the country’s president Edward Lungu announced on Facebook Thursday evening. Kaunda's son, Kamarange Kaunda, also gave the news of the statesman's death on Facebook Thursday. “I am sad to inform we have lost Mzee,” Kaunda’s son wrote, using a Swahili term of respect for an elder. “Let’s pray for him.” Kaunda had been admitted to the hospital on Monday and officials later said he was being treated for pneumonia.