ZAMBIA: KENNETH KAUNDA FREED FROM HOUSE ARREST

(1 Jun 1998) English/Nat
The former Zambian President, Kenneth Kaunda, was freed on Monday after serving five months under house arrest, accused of knowing about plans to overthrow the government.
The High Court in Zambia released Kaunda after state prosecutors dropped the case against him, apparently for lack of evidence.
It had been alleged that Kaunda had prior knowledge of a military coup by junior officers last year.
Until Monday morning, the 74-year-old former president hadn't stepped outside his house since January.
After emerging from the hearing at Lusaka High Court he was mobbed.
Prosecutors said they had dropped their case because of a lack of evidence.
But they entered a plea of 'no prosecution' which allows them to reopen the case if they unearth more evidence.
Kaunda ruled Zambia for 27 years until he was ousted by the voters in 1991.
But he still has the loyal support of many.
As he spoke, the crowd surged towards a defiant Kaunda, who now leads the country's main opposition group - the United National Independence Party.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I said I would not shove (budge) until I was told why I was in prison. Today God has granted it - that I am out. But I have not been told why I was prison for five months and seven days. Why, I still don't know."
SUPER CAPTION: Kenneth Kaunda, Former President of Zambia
Seeming in robust form since his arrest on Christmas day, Kenneth Kaunda did not hold back from mocking the governing party - the
Movement for Multiple Party Democracy.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Those ambassadors (politicians) know that the promises of the MMD - (Movement for Multiple Party Democracy) or the Movement for Madrax (a drug) Dealers or the MMD movement for mass destruction, all the promises that they made about accountability, transparency about governors, good governors. All these things, they have forgotten."
SUPER CAPTION: Kenneth Kaunda, Former President of Zambia
Kaunda's bodyguard was released at the same time and quickly took up his position next the ageing politician.
Both men were charged with concealing prior knowledge of a coup attempt by junior military officers that was quickly crushed in October 1997.
Shortly after being released Kaunda took the media to his home where he posed for pictures cradling his grandson.
As he drove through this downtown Lusaka street waving his trademark white handkerchief, he was escorted by thousands of well wishers.
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[@PanAfricanist1963]

Super Ken. A great son of Africa. The man who led the liberation of Southern Africa.

[@saadchishimba5025]

My father my own my hero Batata ba kaunda I will never forget my great father a friend of my batata who became one of us as a family and later a ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATIONA and as of today you are my example of my life and I will never forget your way of life may your soul live longer DR DAVID KENNETH BUCHIZYA KAUNDA I ALWAYS SALUTE YOU SIR MR PRESIDENT .

[@BonaventureTheBVM]

Zambian politics. We have come a long way.

[@gifthone1971]

Going a long way too

[@user-fm1kc5ym3d]

Very true kutali twafuma abantu balekata

[@petechapuswike9546]

This was just a little taste of his own medicine! Wicked man he was!

[@musondamulimba9288]

We're treading the same path once again

[@emmanuelkumih93]

Hmmmmm!!! It's a sad story.

[@clancyngosamweshi8439]

Movement for Mass Destruction 😂 the humor in that.

[@bonfacemwale5336]

Rest in peace African lion !

[@zachariahlungu3577]

Too bad

[@kimbugwemulo9254]

Loved

[@benkangwa8549]

What was he arrested for coz they both didn't mention it may their souls rest in peace Zambia 🇿🇲🇿🇲 our country

[@jairosdube2608]

Real mens

[@nzpatriot2009]

Why was he arrested?

[@BonaventureTheBVM]

+NZ Patriot Tramped up charges of Treason.

[@yvonnemtumbi2634]

He still had so much energy. My President

[@hardytall8386]

How do they arrest the country's father

[@DelvesterMukubi]

A repeating system of presidency

[@gadsonkamawu764]

One party state man

[@evaristontenda8820]

Yes we're still treading the same path even the PF thugs are arguing the promises have not been met waoooo nika trend fye kanshi loosers don't accept Aiiiii

[@JosephKampelya]

Father were playing politics you know very well that you were behind the coup that almost took place with captain Solo

[@nancychikwalakwala2858]

Hi

[@davidngulube5944]

Dictator

[@godwellsiamechilapupa]

Siame Business Inc music promotions

[@ArthurJeffreyChomba]

That is George Mpombo. Not Kenneth Kaunda.

[@yvonnemtumbi2634]

You dont know KK

[@felixjbwalya8043]

Don't mislead the public that it is mpombo

[@felixjbwalya8043]

Don't mislead the public that it is mpombo

[@lundanevers1805]

That was KK and not mpombo naimwe.

[@lovenessbanda1713]

We're did died