Zambian President, Michael Sata Dies At 77

Michael Sata died at the King Edward VII hospital in London where he was undergoing treatment for an unspecified ailment

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The President of Zambia, Michael Sata (pictured) is dead

 (AFP/Getty Images)

The President of Zambia, Michael Sata is dead.

Sata died on Tuesday, October 28, at the King Edward VII hospital in London where he was undergoing treatment for an unspecified ailment.

The 77-year-old ruler  took office in 2011 and was nicknamed"King Cobra" for his fiery tongue and larger-than-life personality.

A source told Reuters:

"It is true. We lost the President. The acting president will make a statement soon."

Sata’s passing was announced on the country's national radio and reported by the government-owned Zambia Daily Mail but an official cause of death has not been revealed.

Cabinet secretary Roland Msiska confirmed the death on state television saying:

"As you are aware the president was receiving medical attention in London."

"The head of state passed on in October 28. President Sata's demise is deeply regreted. The nation will be kept informed on burial arrangements."

Concerns had been raised over Sata's death since he disappeared from the public eye and even missed a United Nations meeting in September. He had been receiving treatment in the UK since October 19.