Ruto joins world leaders in eulogising Namibian President Hage Geingob

Leaders from around the world on Sunday mourned the late Namibian President Hage Geingob, describing him as a distinguished leader who served his people and the African continent with dedication.

President William Ruto, in his condolence message posted on X, said that the death of President Geingob had robbed the continent and Namibia of a great servant leader.

Ruto described Geingob as a believer in a unified Africa who strongly promoted the continent's voice and visibility in the global arena.

"I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the family and the people of Namibia following the death of President Hage Geingob," Ruto said.

"President Geingob was a distinguished leader who served the people of Namibia with focus and dedication," he added.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia described the late Geingob as a distinguished leader who devoted his life to the service of his people and was a respected voice on the African continent.

"I express my sincere condolences to the people and government of Namibia on the passing of H.E. Dr. Hage G. Geingob, the President of the Republic of Namibia.

"During this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with his family and the Namibian people as they mourn the loss of a great leader," President Hassan Sheikh said.

Tanzanian President Samiah Suluhu said that the late Namibian President was a dear brother, a venerable Pan Africanist and a great friend of Tanzania.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of the President of Namibia, His Excellency Hage Geingob.

"On behalf of the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, I send my condolences to the people of the Republic of Namibia, the Acting President, His Excellency Dr Nangolo Mbumba, Madam First Lady, Her Excellency Monica Kalondo, family, friends and comrades in SWAPO," President Suluhu said.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa remembered Geingob as an outstanding leader, patriot and friend of South Africa.

He described Geingob as a towering veteran of Namibia’s liberation from colonialism and apartheid.

"He was also greatly influential in the solidarity that the people of Namibia extended to the people of South Africa so that we could be free today," Ramaphosa said.

https://twitter.com/edmnangagwa/status/1754062796805783994

We are deeply saddened by the great loss of a visionary leader, HE Dr @hagegeingob,President of Namibia.
On behalf of the Government and people of Burundi, I express our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the Namibian people and the grieving family during this challenging time pic.twitter.com/1IPY8Bhd3Z

— SE Evariste Ndayishimiye (@GeneralNeva) February 4, 2024

It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences to the people of Namibia, Africa and the family of the late President Hage Geingob.

The passing of President Geingob is not only a loss for #Namibia but also a great loss for the entire African… pic.twitter.com/fYUPa2LIvK

— President Julius Maada Bio (@PresidentBio) February 4, 2024

Former President Kenyatta mourns President Hage Geingob of Namibia

NAIROBI, 4th February 2024 – Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned President Hage Geingob, describing him as a great leader who contributed immensely to the liberation of Namibia.

In his message of… pic.twitter.com/tzI7FEEaQm

— Office of the 4th President of Kenya. (@4thPresidentKE) February 4, 2024

Other leaders including Azimio leader Raila Odinga, Kamukunji MP Yusuf Hassan and many others also mourned the late Geingob as a selfish leader whose legacy will live on.

Odinga said that Africa has lost a true pan-Africanist with the death of Geingob.

"My condolences go out to President Hage Geingob's family and the people of Namibia. Africa has lost a true pan-Africanist.

"His legacy as a beacon of the liberation struggle and architect of Namibia's constitution will forever echo in the hearts of his people and across Africa," Odinga said.

Yusuf on the other hand said that Geingob was a revered freedom fighter and played a crucial role in Namibia's quest for independence.

He added that the late Namibian President was big-hearted, down-to-earth, witty, honest, and a progressive intellectual.

"I first met him during SWAPO's independence struggle and later reconnected with him when he became Namibia's inaugural Prime Minister, coinciding with my relocation to work in Windhoek in the early 1990s.

"We've lost a cherished friend, and Namibia has lost an incredible leader. Go well, Comrade," Yusuf said.