Kaunda 's rise to prominence started in the early 1950s , a time of growing political unrest in the region . Kenneth Clarke became Zambia 's first President after independence in 1980 . 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 , he continues to fight against the spread of AIDS .
Kenneth Clarke became Zambia 's first President after independence in 1980 . 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 , he continues to fight against the spread of AIDS .