How Long Did Rupiah Banda Serve As President? When Was Rupiah Banda Born?

Rupiah Bwezani Banda served as the fourth president of Zambia for three years, between 2008 to 2011, taking over from Levy Mwanawasa who died as the sitting president.

Born on 19 February 1937, Banda was an active member in politics since the presidency of Kenneth Kaunda where he held several diplomatic posts.

In October 2006 he was appointed the vice-president by Mwanawasa. After Mwanawasa suffered a stroke in June 2008 and following Mwanawasa’s death in August 2008, he became acting president.

During the October 2008 by-elections, he narrowly won against opposition leader Michael Sata of the Patriotic Front and he was eventually defeated in the September 2011 presidential election, and Sata accordingly succeeded Banda as president on 23 September 2011.

After taking office, Banda dismantled much of the anti-corruption effort put into place by his predecessor, Mwanawasa.

On 15 March 2013, Banda became the second head of state in Zambian history to have his presidential immunity removed.

This was due to accusations of abuse of authority, corruption, and the misappropriation of oil revenue by the newly elected President Mr. Sata.

Banda died in Lusaka on 11 March 2022, after a battle with colon cancer.