Three years ago today: President Sata dies in London

President Sata

Today marks three years since the death of President Michael Sata who served as Zambia’s fourth president. He died in a London hospital early hours of October 28, 2014.

Sata who had served in two previous governments – UNIP and MMD before founding his own party, Patriotic Front potrayed himself as a pro-poor leader. He fought for 10 years in opposition until he defeated the MMD under Rupiah Banda in 2011.

PF founder Michael Sata

His campign was anchored on fulfilling a number of his promises which included a new constitution within 90 days. He promised to create jobs, lower taxes and put more money in citizens pockets.

Upon forming government, he embarked on a infrastructure mass development, putting up roads, building hospitals and Schools across the country.

President Sata at State House when he met China’s Vice president

President Sata however u-turned on his anti-China investment. Immediately after assuming office he hosted lunchon with Chinese Investors after a meeting with their Ambassador and assured that his government would work with them.

His presidency was however shortlived, President Sata left power with then Minister of Defence Edgar Lungu the current president and went to London for treatment. Despite looking frail when he appeared in public, his illness had been kept as a secret.

The country woke up to a sad news in the morning of 28th October 2014 that President Sata had died in London.

He became the second Head of State to die in office after Levy Mwanawasa in August 2008.