Wailing, singing and a somber atmosphere characterized Lusaka, the Zambian capital as the remains of Zambian President Michael Sata arrived from London where he died on Tuesday night.
People lined up a road from the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport to Mulungushi International Conference Center where the body was transported. It will lie in state to allow people to pay their last respects until burial which will be on Nov. 11.
A plane carrying relatives arrived first before the one carrying the 77-year-old Sata who did at King Edward VII Hospital where he had gone for medical check-up.
Mulenga, the Zambian leader’s son who was at the bed side during his father’s last moments said in an interview on state broadcaster, the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, that his father developed breathing problems while at a hotel where he was staying and that doctors at the hospital could not resuscitate him.
While acknowledging that his father’s death was painful, Mulenga, who is also mayor of the Zambian capital, said the family has accepted it because death was inevitable.
When asked about Sata’s last words, he said it was mostly family issues that he spoke about.Interim leader Guy Scott, former presidents Kenneth Kunda and Rupiah Banda were among dignitaries that received the body.
People, who had lined up the road from the airport, wailed as his casket was being driven past.
Sata, who ruled the southern African nation from September 2011 until his death, has been given a 14-day national mourning period.
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