DR-Congo Hero Patrice Lumumba’s Son dies at 67

Roland-Gilbert Lumumba, one of the four children of the Congolese hero Patrice Lumumba, has passed away.

Roland-Gilbert Okito Lumumba, son of Patrice Emery Lumumba, who fought for the independence of the Democratic Republic of Congo, passed away in Kinshasa at the age of 67 due to illness, according to his family.

Roland Lumumba, aged 67, studied architecture and later served as a politician for nearly ten years. He was widely recognized for his persistent efforts to follow in his father’s political footsteps.

He played a significant role in seeking the truth about the death of his father, Patrice Lumumba, who was assassinated in 1961, and he frequently traveled to Belgium to follow up on related legal proceedings there.

He often said that his efforts were driven by a “thirst for truth” rather than a desire for revenge.

He was also instrumental in repatriating his father’s tooth, which had been kept in Belgium and was returned to Congo in 2022.

President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, on behalf of the Congolese people, expressed condolences to the Lumumba family and those close to him, describing Roland-Gilbert as a prominent politician, a devoted citizen, and a person of exemplary character.

His death comes while the trials related to Patrice Lumumba’s assassination are still ongoing in Belgium.

Patrice Lumumba had four children: The eldest, François Lumumba, 74, Juliana Lumumba, 70, Guy-Patrice Lumumba, 65 and Roland-Gilbert Lumumba, who passed away on Wednesday in Kinshasa.

Photos

Roland-Gilbert Lumumba

Patrice Émery Lumumba.