Kenneth Kaunda became Zambia 's first President after independence in 1964 . During the country 's struggles , Kaunda was jailed twice by the colonial authorities . Once in power , he governed for 27 years under one-party rule . He died of a heart attack at age 70 on October 26 2016.
Kenneth Kaunda became Zambia 's first President after independence in 1964 . During the country 's struggles , Kaunda was jailed twice by the colonial authorities . Once in power , he governed for 27 years under one-party rule . Twenty years out of politics , Kaunda continues to campaign against the spread of AIDS .