Former Zambian president Mr Rupia Bwezani Banda has reportedly died today at the age of 85
Mr Banda was born on 19 February 1937 in Gwanda, Zimbabwe, a career politician and became Zambia’s fourth president from 2008 – 2011.
During the presidency regime of Kenneth Kaunda, Mr Banda assumes several important political positions and was active in politics as a core member of the United National Independence Party (UNIP) in the country.
A fe years later, Mr Banda rose to the position of vice president to the then president of the country, Mr Levy Mwanawasa in 2006.
Unfortunately, Mwanawasa was unable to complete his presidential regime as he was struck with illness (stroke) thus paving the way for Banda to take over the helm of affairs of the country in June.
In August 2008, Banda became the acting president following the death of the incumbent president Mwanawasa.
Manda, after the completion of the regime which was initially started by the former president, became the candidate for Movement Multiparty Democracy (MMD) for the then-upcoming election which was conducted in October 2008 where he narrowly won and became the country president.
In 2011, Mr Banda lost his presidency position to an opposition leader of the Patriotic Front in September 2011 presidential election. Mr Banda then retired from political activities after the defeat.
