Kaunda, Kenneth David

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Zambian politician, president 1964–91. Imprisoned 1958–60 as founder of the Zambia African National Congress, in 1964 he became the first president of independent Zambia. In 1972 he introduced one-party rule. He supported the nationalist movement in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and survived a coup attempt in 1980. In 1990, widespread anti-government demonstrations forced him to accept a multiparty political system and he was defeated in multiparty elections in 1991 by Frederick Chiluba.

Kaunda stepped down as UNIP leader in 1992, but returned to active politics in 1995–2000; however he found himself debarred from contesting the presidency by a change in the constitution, and was briefly charged in 1998 with concealing knowledge of an abortive coup in October 1997. In 1999 his son, Major Wesi Kaunda, died after being shot outside his home in Lusaka. In 2000 Kaunda was stripped of his Zambian nationality after the high court upheld a petition filed against him by members of the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy. However, the matter was subsequently settled in Kaunda's favour.

The arms show a Bible open at the Gospel of St John, a Trinitarian symbol. The white cross symbolizes faith. The arms appear on national and state flags. Effective date: 14 September 1863. >>