African leaders pay tribute to Namibia President, Geingob

Various leaders on Sunday joined the people of Namibia in mourning the death of their President Hage Geingob.

Geingob who was aged 82, passed away on Sunday at Lady Pohamba Hospital. 

The Head of State who had been battling cancer succumbed at around 12: 04 am surrounded by his wife, Madame Monica Geingos and children.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa has remembered Gengob 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.

Ramaphosa reflected on his recent visit to Namibia in October 2023, where the two leaders committed that the two countries agreed to have a closer partnership.

His Tanzania counterpart mourned Geingob as a brother, a venerable Pan Africanist and a great friend of Tanzania.

"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," Suluhu said.

"May you all be comforted during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace. Amen," she added.

The Speaker of the Senate Amason Kingi has mourned Geingob as an illustrious son of Africa noting that his death was a big loss for the entire continent.

"I condole with the First Family at this most difficult moment and pray for God's fortitude upon it and the entire nation of Namibia. May his soul rest in perfect peace," Kingi said.

His National Assembly counterpart Moses Wetang'ula also extended his condolences to the people of Namibia and Geingob's family.

"I extend my deepest condolences on the passing of Namibia's President, H.E Hage Geingob. May his legacy of leadership and dedication bring comfort during this difficult time," Wetangula said.

"My thoughts are with the people of Namibia and Africa as a whole, as they mourn the loss of a great leader," Wetangula added.

On his part,  Azimio leader Raila Odinga in his message remembered Geingob as 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," Raila said.

Kamukunji Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan in his condolence message mourned Geingob as a revered freedom fighter and played a crucial role in Namibia’s quest for independence.  

Hassan described him as a big-hearted and down-to-earth person as well as a cherished friend.

The two first met during SWAPO’s independence struggle and later reconnected with when Geingob became Namibia’s inaugural Prime Minister in the early 1990s.

"Hage was big-hearted, down-to-earth, witty, honest, and a progressive intellectual. We've lost a cherished friend, and Namibia has lost an incredible leader. Go well, Comrade," the legislator said.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtata mourned Geingob as a son of the African soil and an astute politician.

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris said Geingob's legacy as a transformative leader will endure even when he is gone.