SAKENI DIES

Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services and Chief Government spokesperson Kennedy Sakeni has died.

 President Michael Sata announced the death of Sakeni in a statement today.

Sakeni, who was also Mansa Central PF Member of Parliament died this afternoon at Lusaka’s University Teaching Hospital (UTH).

In his letter of condolences to the late Sakeni’s widow, President Sata described Sakeni’s death as heartbreaking.

“It is with deep sorrow and grief that I learnt of the death of your dear husband Mr. Sakeni, the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services of the Republic of Zambia,” read President Sata’s letter in part.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of the Republic of Zambia and indeed on my own behalf, I extend my highest and sincere condolences to you, the children and our party the Patriotic Front [PF] for this painful loss.”

President Sata stated that it was indeed tragic that the nation has lost a leader who rendered a gallant service to the country in the various distinguished portfolios he held.

“Mr Sakeni’s works as a career intelligence officer in the Zambia Security Intelligence Service [ZSIS], as Member of Parliament for Chifunabuli, as deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Luapula Province and more recently as Member of Parliament for Mansa Central, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services as well as PF Luapula Province chairman have undeniably assisted in strengthening our country’s political and economic capabilities,” President Sata stated.

“No doubt, the Zambian people and his closer family in the PF feel deeply sad for the loss of this national leader of Mr. Sakeni’s standing and public service credentials, and share your family’s grief. Indeed, we have lost a great leader and a resolved politician and businessman.”