Vice President Saulosi Chilima is expected to leave the country today for Zambia to attend the burial ceremony of Michael Chilifya Sata.

Sata died on October 28 in London where he was receiving medical treatment for undisclosed illness.

President Professor Author Peter Mutharika was expected to attended the funeral as earlier communicated but the change has surprised many people as this is not the first time for Mutharika shun activities happening in Zambia.

According to the statement, Mutharika has delegated Vice President Saulos Chilima to attend the burial of Sata which will take place on Tuesday, November 11, 2014 at the Embassy Park in Lusaka.

The burial of Sata is expected to be attended by several heads of State including President of zimbabwe Robert Mugabe.

The Vice President is expected to return home on Wednesday, November 12, 2014.