- Katunda served the National Assembly of Zambia as the speaker from 1998 to 2011.
- The speaker extended his heartfelt condolences to the late’s family and the people of Zambia for the loss of one of their best.
Image: SPU
National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula on Tuesday joined the Zambian fraternity to bid farewell to former Speaker of the country's Parliament Amussa Katunda.
Katunda served the National Assembly of Zambia as the speaker from 1998 to 2011.
In a solemn service held at the National Assembly of Zambia, the Kenyan delegation led by Wetang’ula paid their respects to the man who served the country with zeal and dedication.
“As echoed by Zambian MPs, the late Speaker was a dedicated and exemplary leader, a man of exceptional qualities, and a servant of the People,” Wetang’ula said.
His Zambian counterpart Speaker Nelly Mutti, MP, invoked standing order 239 to hold the farewell service in the August House, honouring the late speaker.
Speaker Wetang’ula lauded the departed leader for his selfless service to his country which he said was evident from the magnitude of his service duration and level of accolades showered on him by mourners.
“While we mourn this great departed leader, we also celebrate his legacy. He rendered great service to the people of Zambia, possessed a wealth of knowledge and wisdom, and upheld a high level of integrity. His life is a cherished memory of a life well-lived,” Wetang’ula said.
He reminisced the late speaker's words, "The hallmark of the speakership is one with integrity," saying that other leaders should aim to uphold and emulate the words of wisdom by the late Katunda.
The speaker extended his heartfelt condolences to the late’s family and the people of Zambia for the loss of one of their best.
Katunda, a prominent figure in Zambian politics and diplomacy, died last Saturday night at Forest Park Hospital in Lusaka after a prolonged battle with cancer.
Katunda, with a career spanning several decades, made significant contributions in various roles, including diplomacy, journalism, and as a Member of Parliament representing the Liuwa Constituency.
His journey in politics saw him serve in various crucial ministerial positions, including Agriculture, Tourism, and Information.
The Speaker was in the company of members of the House Business Committee Silvanus Osoro, Majority Whip, Adan Keynan, T.J. Kajwang, Sarah Korere, and Joshua Mwalyo.
Wetang’ula, who is currently in Zambia on an official visit is expected to engage with the Zambian House Business Committee on parliamentary workings as well as fostering parliamentary friendship groups between the two parliaments.